Center for Behavioral Decision Research

CBDR : Seminar Series : Seminar by Jesse Preston

First Causes: The Creation of Meaning Through Explanation

	presented by Jesse Preston (University of Illinois)


	Thursday, February 28	link to paper
	Noon
	Posner 384	link to Speaker's Site

	Abstract:

	What is it that makes our ideas seem important and meaningful? While some ideas are initially impactful but quickly lose value, other ideas endure. An important source of an idea’s perceived value is its explanatory power: explanation improves understanding and can unify separate events through a single cause. Moments of insight are often characterized a sudden shift in cognitive fluency- sometimes called the “aha” effect. Both physical and cognitive indicators can impact judgments of an idea, enhancing perceived meaning as the impact of explanation is strengthened.

	Host at CMU: Morewedge