Synopsis: Frames of anticipations help us choose. They highlight options according to our degree of preference – that is, whichever is most significant to us emotionally.
We actively examine and re-examine situations, as we adapt.
The appraisals
We instinctively conduct appraisals. The quick survey-and-analysis precedes our goal-seeking behaviour. The appraisals are an evolutionary process developed at two levels:
We actively examine and re-examine situations, as we adapt.
The appraisals
We instinctively conduct appraisals. The quick survey-and-analysis precedes our goal-seeking behaviour. The appraisals are an evolutionary process developed at two levels:
- The primary appraisal defines our involvement in situations.
- The secondary appraisal considers solutions to the issue or problem perceived therein.
Through these appraisals, we first examine whether or not the situation is relevant for our personal wellbeing, and then we decide on actions to cope with it.
Anticipations
The primary appraisal occurs before conscious feelings and emotional responses, and in fact serves to turn them on. If we don’t feel involved with what is going on, we experience no emotional arousal. Our interest in the situational outcomes wanes, and so we forget about it or do little willingly. But if we do feel involved, we move on proactively to the secondary appraisal. We focus on ways of handling the situation - like what we can or should do about it.
Situations stimulate our decision-making, and give us the opportunity to make choices. Suppose, for example, we are considering a vacation, and there are two locations to choose from. One is perfect in all regards - except that the weather is unpredictable. The other is less perfect but the weather is usually good.
How do we choose? We evaluate our emotional anticipations regarding each location. The possible pleasure of the first site with good weather is weighted against the possible displeasure with bad weather there. Combining the two gives an average feeling of anticipated pleasure. The other location is similarly evaluated with weather and other attractions to obtain another anticipated average. The two averages are then compared. The location with the ‘greater average pleasure’ in outcome then tends to be selected.
The framing effect
Visualizing possible outcomes within these frames of anticipations help us choose. The frames highlight the options according to our degree of preference – that is, whichever is most significant to us emotionally.
The primary appraisal occurs before conscious feelings and emotional responses, and in fact serves to turn them on. If we don’t feel involved with what is going on, we experience no emotional arousal. Our interest in the situational outcomes wanes, and so we forget about it or do little willingly. But if we do feel involved, we move on proactively to the secondary appraisal. We focus on ways of handling the situation - like what we can or should do about it.
Situations stimulate our decision-making, and give us the opportunity to make choices. Suppose, for example, we are considering a vacation, and there are two locations to choose from. One is perfect in all regards - except that the weather is unpredictable. The other is less perfect but the weather is usually good.
How do we choose? We evaluate our emotional anticipations regarding each location. The possible pleasure of the first site with good weather is weighted against the possible displeasure with bad weather there. Combining the two gives an average feeling of anticipated pleasure. The other location is similarly evaluated with weather and other attractions to obtain another anticipated average. The two averages are then compared. The location with the ‘greater average pleasure’ in outcome then tends to be selected.
The framing effect
Visualizing possible outcomes within these frames of anticipations help us choose. The frames highlight the options according to our degree of preference – that is, whichever is most significant to us emotionally.
Our choices are sometimes buoyed by expectations of certain outcomes only. We also tend to be hasty when the data available is not judged appropriately, with lack of time, information overload, divided loyalties or stress. In all these situations, the focus of attention is limited and so are explorations or assessments of the environment. We are guided instead by excessive optimism about certain outcomes or fears about some others.
Assessing reality
The framing effect is an unconscious bias. Researchers at Ohio State University point out that greater anticipated pleasure or greater optimism tend to produce greater risk seeking, whereas pessimism causes risk aversion.
Fact is, the choices we make are proved ‘correct’ only by future consequences. The emotional involvement starts the decision-making process. Emotions generalize understanding between our two brains - the rational left, and the intuitive right hemispheres. It is important to integrate the inputs of the two sides of the brain to accurately understand reality. Our evolved appraisals are necessary for our actions becoming effective.
The framing effect is an unconscious bias. Researchers at Ohio State University point out that greater anticipated pleasure or greater optimism tend to produce greater risk seeking, whereas pessimism causes risk aversion.
Fact is, the choices we make are proved ‘correct’ only by future consequences. The emotional involvement starts the decision-making process. Emotions generalize understanding between our two brains - the rational left, and the intuitive right hemispheres. It is important to integrate the inputs of the two sides of the brain to accurately understand reality. Our evolved appraisals are necessary for our actions becoming effective.
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