Mindworks: The Science of Thinking

This mother and daughter dropped by and got to know each other better at the "How Well Do You Know Your Friend" exhibit. How it works: one person (the responder) marks down how much they enjoy different activities. Then, the other person (the guesser) tries to predict the responder’s answers. To her surprise, this mom discovered her daughter likes far more activities than she thought! Why do we miss the mark? Because we rely on broad assumptions, like “they’re outdoorsy,” instead of uncovering the details—like whether they’d prefer kayaking or hiking. Settling for “close enough” is often fine, but it's better to ask about someone's preferences directly. Plus, you'll feel more connected to the people you love. -- ?? Follow us for more on the science behind decision-making. #behavioralscience

Make your team or favorite colleague feel surprised and appreciated this Thanksgiving by writing a thoughtful letter. ??? We often hold back from expressing gratitude because we worry it might feel awkward. But that’s a big miscalculation! Research by Booth’s Nicholas Epley found that people who received gratitude letters felt far happier and less awkward than the writers expected. Here's how to write an effective letter: ?? Describe some of the experiences that you had with the recipient. ?? Tell them how it positively impacted you. That simple letter can make someone feel truly valued—and they may even keep it for years to come. ?? Follow us for more actionable and science-backed ways to design your best business. #gratitude #leadership

Our Research Assistants Rylie and Biru took a stroll in Grant Park with our new fall prizes. You can earn prizes by participating in studies at Mindworks. Some of the current studies will help everyone understand behavior around TikTok, food preferences, AI, and more. Walk-ins are welcome, or schedule your visit: https://lnkd.in/gsM2-z26

?? What would happen if you started a dialogue at the holiday dinner table instead of a debate? Jane Risen explored relationships that form at Seeds of Peace camp. Remarkably, even people with long-standing political divides connected more deeply when they engaged in dialogue instead of debate. Talking with someone who doesn't share the same opinion as you can quickly become heated or awkward. Here are some questions and statements to help steer the conversation from debate toward meaningful dialogue: ?? How did you come to this point of view? ?? What do you think we might have in common on this? ?? Can I share what I’m thinking and hear your thoughts on it? ?? One reason I think this way is...but I want to understand why you see it differently. ?? This is important to me because... What's your view on that? ?? Follow us for more actionable and science-backed ways to design your best life.

Thank you, Adina, for taking the time to write a review. This weekend is expected to be beautiful. ?? Come spend a "fun and engaging 45 minutes" to learn more about why people make the decisions they do and even participate in some of our studies. Complete your trip to "one of the best parts of Michigan Avenue" by having lunch at The Exchange Chicago and strolling through Millennium Park. Walk ins are welcome, but you can schedule your visit here: chicagobooth.edu/mindworks #chicago

It's spooky season, and there's no better time to explore how fear affects our brains, bodies, and behaviors. #HappyHalloween #SpookySeason #TrickOrTreat

Join us Sunday, October 27 for the first-ever Teens Day at Mindworks! Featuring free admission, prizes for research participants 12-17, coupons for Sugar Bliss cookies, and more. Book your visit: https://lnkd.in/gsM2-z26

This weekend, stop by Mindworks (224 S Michigan Ave) for Chicago Architecture Center's Open House Chicago! We expect big crowds, so learn how this weekend will work a little differently than usual. Plus, meet our architects Krueck Sexton Partners, learn #behavioralscience insights, visit our neighbors, and much more. #OHC2024 https://lnkd.in/gYVXvmuT

Intelligent failure - oxymoron? Far from it! Join Amy Edmondson and the Roman Family Center for Decision Research Oct. 30 to harness a better way of thinking about failure in your work. RSVP: https://lnkd.in/eiBWxpqZ

We’re proud to announce that we’re participating once again in Open House Chicago with the Chicago Architecture Center. We’re one of more than 170 architectural treasures welcoming visitors October 19–20 at this free annual architecture festival. Find out more at OpenHouseChicago.org #OHC2024