Just words?

[Guest guest]

I am aware that how things are worded can have an influence over people, I

recently came across quite a good example of such in a book I am reading. The

book is 'Mind Hacks' by Stafford & Webb (I think I have mentioned it before).

This particular example is on p.247. Below are two different versions of the

same problem, but worded different.

Version 1. A lethal disease is spreading through the city of which you are

mayor. it is expected to kill 600 people. Your chief medical adviser tells you

that there is a choice between two treatment plans. The first strategy will

definitely save 200 people, whereas the second strategy has a one-third chance

of saving 600 people and a two-thirds chance of saving no one. Which strategy do

you choose?

Version 2. A lethal disease is spreading through the city of which you are

mayor. It is expected to kill 600 people. Your chief medical adviser tells you

that there is a choice between two treatment plans. The first strategy will

definintely kill 400 people, whereas the second strategy has a one-third chance

that nobody will die and a two-thirds chance that 600 people will die.

According to the book the second version makes it seem that you are starting out

in a losing position and that people are more likely to take risks if they feel

they are in a losing position to begin with.

I found this interesting and have to wonder just how much this type of

influencing goes on.