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Predictably Irrational Summary

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Léo Greiner & Mark Michaels

Morty Yalovsky

BUSA 100

11/04/15

Book Report 2

The novel Predictably Irrational, by author Dan Ariely, claims and supports the notion that consumers make economic decisions through emotions and instinct in preference to logical deduction. The book features fourteen chapters, each one exploring a manner in which humans act irrationally in the economic world. For example, chapter 3 delves into the “zero price effect”. Ariely argues that for transactions where both products in question have monetary cost, humans will proceed logically to determine which product outweighs the other. On the other hand, if the product were to become free, the human brain no longer evaluates the pros and cons, but instead immediately …show more content…
For example, in the novel’s third chapter, Ariely explains why we often “pay” too much when we pay nothing. He explains to his readers that we often get fixated on the word, “free,” and our decisions can be greatly changed when something is free, also known as the “zero price effect.” He provides the reader with multiple real life examples which can allow the common reader to understand the difficult concept he is trying to explain. One of the examples he uses is with Hershey Kisses and Truffles. Truffles were being sold for the price of $.014, while a Kiss was $.01, and 73% of the subjects chose the truffle. However, when both prices were reduced by one cent, making the Kiss free, 69% of participants elected the Kiss over the truffle. The notion of “free” irrationally fixates the human brain. Ariely’s theory was that for normal transactions, we take into consideration both the positives and the negatives, however when something is free we eliminate the negatives thus drastically changing our perception. This point was constantly reiterated by Ariely, through more examples including: Amazon, and people waiting in line. Ariely’s easily applicable examples and fascinating anecdotes convince the reader of his conclusion that “…free is one of the most powerful ways to trigger behaviour.” (Ariely, 2009, 109) He means that “free” is motivating; it requires less work, and can give the same gratification, so why wouldn’t everyone want anything that’s free? More so, his writing becomes more inclusive and engaging to his reader through the use of a more colloquial writing style. Ariely tries to provoke the reader to think and imagine for themselves; structuring his words into a conversational tone, he says, “Imagine your friend sharing” (Ariely, 2009, 203) or, “Just in case you are wondering ” (Ariely, 2009, 225). His words become

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