PSYC 309-01, Human Judgment and Decision Making, Fall 2005

Abstract

You will study how people make judgments about themselves and others; how people attribute causation to human behavior; and how people make estimates and best guesses about uncertain outcomes. The layperson's intuitions and judgments will be contrasted with normative standards established by scientists, mathematicians, and philosophers. You will learn about 6 classic decision-making paradoxes, and you can participate in 6 class demonstrations where you can earn money (max $30) as well as lose money (max $9) by exercising good/bad judgment. The course goals are to 1) make you aware of the errors and biases inherent in your judgments about self and others, and 2) to become a more sensitive and perhaps accurate perceiver and analyzer of human behavior. You should finish the course with an appreciation of J.S. Mill's statement, "The logic of science is also that of business and life" and with a realization that the maxim, "Know thyself," may be impossible to achieve. In terms of the 12 IDEA objectives used to evaluate Rhodes courses, the following course objectives are very important: Learning to apply course material (to improve thinking, problem solving, and decisions); learning to analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments, and points of view; and learning fundamental principles, generalizations, and theories. The following are important: Developing specific skills, competencies, and points of view needed by professionals in the field; and developing a clearer understanding of and commitment to personal values.