Thinking Without Thinking

Blink, by Malcolm Caldwell, is a terrific find for learning and development professionals. It details another side of how new information is processed and how very quickly we comprehend and act on new information. While Blink does not attempt to alter current instructional design methodology, it does provide new ways to engage learners and improve the value of learning we deliver.

Blink proposes that there are three key aspects to understanding and leveraging what occurs in the first few seconds of exposure to something new:

Fast and Frugal – Our brains process new information and experiences very quickly. Then we perform a series of instant calculations. And then we “feel” something. All of this takes place before any conscious thought takes place.

Internal Computer – The part of our brain that performs these rapid actions is called our adaptive unconscious. It’s what immediately senses danger and causes instant reaction.

A Different and Better World – Once we understand these instant assessments, we need to actively leverage their significant value. We are trained to use intellect, analysis, deduction, and logic to make decisions. Recognizing the value of our instant assessments and appropriately applying the results opens up whole new approaches to how we work.