Change the comparison standard and perceived value changes, even when the underlying performance stays exactly the same.

In England, calling unemployment “a year off” turns embarrassment into upper-middle-class status.

@psychology

Countdowns at red lights reduce accidents, while countdowns at green lights increase accidents as…

@psychology

Branded analgesics produce greater measured pain reduction than unbranded analgesics, not merely…

@psychology

A freshly washed car feels like it drives better, even though washing has not changed its…

@psychology

An efficient express lane can be hated when customers believe the company created delays to charge…

@psychology

A restaurant can create more value by fixing its smell and cleanliness than by improving already…

@psychology

A longer wait with a visible countdown can feel better than a shorter wait with no information.

@psychology

Breaking a long sequence into visible chunks and adding a midpoint makes completion more likely.

@psychology