Sampling Distribution: Explained in Simple Terms

The Millionaire Next Door Formula for Net Worth

What is sampling distribution? What are some of the pitfalls in working with mathematical averages in math? A sampling distribution is one of the complex math concepts many people don’t instinctively understand. The sampling distribution (or the distribution of the average) is important because averages are misleading: Your brain focuses on the average and doesn’t consider possible outliers in the distribution. Keep reading to understand sampling distribution, explained in simple terms.

Social Loafing: Definition and Psychology

Social Loafing: Definition and Psychology

What is social loafing? Why do people tend to lessen their effort when added to a group? Social loading is a psychosocial phenomenon whereby individuals put less effort in when they become part of a group. According to Rolf Dobelli, the author of The Art of Thinking Clearly, social loafing is a feature of groups, not a drawback: Early humans formed groups because the responsibility for survival was spread out rather than concentrated on each individual. Keep reading for the social loafing definition, how it forms, and how to prevent it.

The Zeigarnik Effect: The Psychology of Memory

The Zeigarnik Effect: The Psychology of Memory

What is the Zeigarnik effect? Why do we tend to forget projects we are done with? In psychology, the Zeigarnik effect is the tendency to recall unfinished or interrupted tasks more easily than tasks that haven’t yet been completed. According to Rolf Dobelli, the author of The Art of Thinking Clearly, the brain does this for efficiency—once the task is complete, it deems it unimportant and discards it to free up mental space. Keep reading to learn about the Zeigarnik effect, why it happens, and how to overcome it.

The Dangers of the Sample Selection Bias

The Dangers of the Sample Selection Bias

What is self-selection bias? How does self-selection bias influence research findings? Sample selection bias is a common issue in psychological studies that involve statistical analysis. Specifically, people only join studies they’re comfortable responding to, which alters your data. Those who might provide embarrassing or somehow “undesirable” responses simply won’t take part, narrowing your study’s scope and skewing the results.  Here’s how sample selection bias skews research results and how to work around it.

Exponential Growth: Meaning + Examples

Exponential Growth: Meaning + Examples

What is exponential growth? What are some real-world examples of exponential growth? Exponential growth is a complex math concept that many people don’t instinctively understand. Yet, the idea is pretty simple: Exponential growth simply means that a number doubles at regular intervals. Let’s take a closer look at the meaning of exponential growth and a few examples.

Rolf Dobelli: What Is Social Proof?

Rolf Dobelli: What Is Social Proof?

What is social proof? Is it always a good idea to follow the crowd? Social proof is a psychosocial phenomenon whereby people copy others’ behavior before participating in that behavior themselves. This tendency had survival value in the past: If everyone ran away, you ran too because there was probably a predator nearby. However, in modern times, most of our decisions are not life-or-death decisions, and following the crowd can often lead you astray. Here’s why, in modern times, social proof can often do more harm than good.

Crash Course: What Is Transactional Analysis?

Crash Course: What Is Transactional Analysis?

What is Transactional Analysis? Why do humans crave recognition? What are the three ego states? Transactional Analysis is a psychoanalytic theory and a method of analyzing social interactions. At its heart is the concept of the three ego states: the adult, the child, and the parent. Keep reading to learn about the Transactional Analysis theory and how to use it to analyze interactions.