Rapid Cognition, Snap Judgement, Etc.

Just finished reading Blink by Malcom Gladwell (of the Tipping Point fame). The book explains the concept of rapid cognition – the kind of thinking that happens in a blink of an eye. Rapid cognition essentially is the sort of snap decision-making performed without thinking about how one is thinking, faster and often more correctly than the logical part of the brain can manage. The book explains that most people use snap judgment (split second decision making) without being able to reason out or without even realizing they are doing so (which is crazy!). Gladwell highlights several cases to explain this point, and to illustrate that the more we learn how to control the stimuli for these judgments, the smarter we get in using rapid cognition to take better decisions.

It is one of those books that makes you aware and conscious (about something – in this case your decision making) for a few days, till you forget about the concept (and the author!), and till you pick up the next book. But nonetheless, an interesting read!

I was wondering after reading the book if I tend to use snap judgment while meeting people for the first time, while interviewing candidates, while buying grocery, or while taking other simple day-to-day decisions. And if yes, then what are the characteristics that make my mind go “SNAP.”