#8: Reality Check

Adding an extra dose of behavioral science to your week with our series In a Nutshell— a collection of behavioral science principles, explained in 150 words or less, written weekly by CUBIC director Allison Zelkowitz.

Has this happened to you?

You’re on a hiring panel and you’ve just finished four back-to-back interviews. You launch into discussion with the other panelists – you’re sure the best candidate is obvious. But . . . wait . . . the others have two different top choices.  How can that be?

Naïve realism is the human tendency to believe our own perception of the world is correct, and reflects it exactly as it is. We’re surprised when we learn others’ beliefs, preferences, and what they see are completely different (remember The Dress controversy?)

Actually, our reality is subjective, and is influenced by our experiences, culture, emotions, values, and biases. When we don’t recognize this, we’re likely to judge others’ views as ‘wrong’ or ‘stupid.’

Fortunately, simply being aware of naïve realism can help keep our minds open.  For more insights into this phenomenon, listen to this revealing (and funny) podcast.