How to make better decisions | Dr. Joe Arvai | TEDxCalgary

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Are you an architect or an archaeologist of your thoughts? As decision scientist Joe Arvai dissects how we make decisions, he draws parallels between construction principles and how we process information using a building code of goals, options, outcomes and trade-offs. By exploring doubts, reflecting on choices and monitoring if what we decide aligns with our values, Arvai teaches us how our decisions define us.

Dr. Joe Arvai is Professor and Svare Chair in Applied Decision Research at the University of Calgary. He is based in the Department of Geography, the Institute for Public Health, and the Institute for Sustainable Energy Environment and Economy.

He is an internationally recognized expert in the risk and decisions sciences. Arvai’s research explores how people process information and make decisions. His research is focused on developing and testing decision support systems that can be used by people to improve decision quality across a wide range of environmental, social, and economic contexts.

Dr. Arvai is also a Senior Researcher at Decision Research in Eugene, Oregon, and an Adjunct Professor in Engineering and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia. Arvai is also a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Science Advisory Board, and is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences’ Board on Environmental Change and Society.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[northcarolinaaa]

Anyone else watching this because they're required to by the school?

[jellewils]

I've only recently embraced basing my decisions on My values instead of those of others. Parenthood has helped me a lot because it requires me to take the lead in an empathic though narrow/somewhat authoritarian fashion as a dad, it's something I missed out on myself which therefore now is a value to me. Actually, narrowing down options is also mentioned here, it's something that calms down my 3 year old son, but also something I can personally improve on. It's interesting how emotions and stress get me so out of touch with my values that I completely forget to act on them in the moment. However, getting angry about not living up to my values can actually help confronting fear and doing anyway what I deem best, acting authentic and adding unique value that way. I'll try this model at work as well, it might help me declutter my mind and get my priorities straight as well as align with the somewhat opposing values of others. Teamwork means also taking their values into account, without losing scrutiny when my own values matter and need to be acted on by the team. Quite the balancing act.

[heyitsvay]

when you have to watch this because you got caught smoking by campus police >>>

[adrian]

This is the best advice on decision making I've ever seen and a great example of exceptional presentation and structure. Thank you, this has helped me understand why I make poor decisions and hopefully how to make better ones.

[NeatStuff]

He doesn't really tells us how. Misleading title. Also, I'm getting tired of the talks when they spend a lot of time talking about when they went to Africa to help and talking about environmentalism for no good reason. This are short talks and they should get to the point, otherwise it's a waste of time and poor decision making tbh.

[satyajitsinhkosamiya]

this is the one of the best Ted talk I ever had....learn from Dr.arvai he knows what he is talking about

[vijaybansod]

You need to think things through to make the right choice.

[ScorchArtist]

i would adding on to this to also get a deep understanding of cognitive biases and how our evolved mental shortcuts may effect our decision making.

[muneeruddinmohammed]

Am i only the one who didn't see any dolphins in that slide.

[smartITworksme]

His introduction to the topic is amazingly GREAT!

[smartITworksme]

I appreciate the flow of the topic.. There are data he mentioned which don't convince me, do people's choice really reflect their values... If they are true, I should be thankful for that..

[Bottle]

My only criticism is the example of the Masai people choosing things they value about water...that's not culture specific, every group of humans value those characteristics of water

[soupeydoopey]

Since everyone already dragging this whole thing, here ya go 1:01

[ra]

*I see a bigger picture*

The bottle.

[emmanuelmark]

hello sir, please i need your opinion regarding a question.

If you are alone on an island and you have $100 to spend, there are shops around from where you can buy products that are not branded.

kindly explain the buying process??

[harrison]

This absolutely sucks. Terrible, terrible ted talk. Jesus.

[OlymPigs]

...nothing new or interesting here to learn!

[cspringsreal]

Good material but the instructor's endless shifting his body back and forth is so distracting it's hard to concentrate on what he's saying. I hope he doesn't do this while teaching college but rather was just extremely nervous. Camera should have stayed on the slides the entire time

[jdsheleg]

Stopped watching Tedx the moment they started to give real content in lieu of their social justice messages.