What Behavioural Scientists Know
In every tick of the clock, every fleeting moment, we make decisions. From the smallest choices, like picking up an apple instead of a banana, to the larger life decisions, the wheels in our minds turn ceaselessly.
But have you ever paused to wonder what really fuels these choices?
Let's embark on a journey into the fascinating realm of behavioural influence.
The whisper behind our whims
Behavioural influence, stripped down to its essence, is the gentle push and pull that shapes our actions. Think of it as the wind beneath the wings of a bird. It’s not always visible, but it’s there, guiding the flight. And it’s always around us.
Picture this: You're strolling down the street and you're hit by the sweet scent of fresh pastries. Even if you had a hearty meal just hours ago, there's this sudden urge to step inside and buy something. It's not magic nor a mere whim. It's behavioural influence subtly guiding your desires and actions. What makes you step inside is the focus of this week’s exploration. What influences, where is it from, how does it impact us…
Understanding the forces at play
Every action we take, big or small, is like a dot in a vast mosaic. While each dot might seem inconsequential on its own, together they form the bigger picture of our lives. These actions are rarely random. They are shaped by countless little signals, memories, and experiences that make up behavioural influence.
For instance, why do we pick one brand of cereal over another?
It could be a catchy jingle we once heard, a happy memory of cartoon filled Sunday mornings associated with it, or even the colour of the packaging.
The voice we know and the echoes we don’t
While some decisions stand tall in the spotlight of our awareness, many others lurk in the shadows. These shadowy choices stem from our subconscious - the little nudges and echoes from our past, or beliefs deep-seated within us. They're not loud, but they're powerful.
On the flip side, we have choices that we actively think about, weigh up, and then decide on. These are our conscious decisions. The ones we often take credit for.
However, it’s not a tug-of-war between the two. It's more like a duet, with both the conscious and subconscious playing their parts in harmony to shape our actions.
Let’s explore the key theories I use everyday:
Kurt Lewin B = f(P, E): This simple, yet profound equation suggests that behaviour (B) is a function (f) of the person (P) and their environment (E). It underscores the symbiotic relationship between an individual and their surroundings in shaping actions.
Transtheoretical Model of Change: This model observes change as a process, not an event. It outlines stages we go through when modifying behaviour, from being uninterested or unaware (precontemplation) to maintaining new behaviour (maintenance). Recognising these stages can inform tailored interventions.
Self-Determination Theory (SDT): At the heart of SDT is the belief that humans have innate psychological needs: competence, relatedness, and autonomy. When these needs are met, it can lead to more self-motivated and persistent behaviours. It's a cornerstone for understanding motivation.