Super Mario Psychology And The Science Of Interaction

Summary

In this insightful video, psychologist Oscar Henriksen explores how behaviors can be changed through experiences rather than lectures. Drawing on examples from video games like Super Mario and Grand Theft Auto, he highlights the power of positive consequences, freedom, and autonomy in shaping behavior. He also discusses the psychology behind habit formation, emphasizing that it takes an average of 66 days to establish a new habit. Henriksen argues that experiences, particularly those driven by gradual rewards, are the most effective method for learning and behavior change, offering valuable insights for both personal growth and game design.

Takeaways

• 😀 It takes between 14 and 256 days to form a new habit, with an average of 66 days, debunking the common myth that it only takes 21 days.
• 😀 Behavior change is most effective when driven by experiences, not just lectures or instructions, as real learning happens through personal experience.
• 😀 Super Mario exemplifies how learning occurs through gradual, experiential steps rather than explicit instructions, making it a powerful example of behavior change.
• 😀 Positive reinforcement (like applause) is crucial in encouraging desired behaviors and helps individuals make progress towards a goal.
• 😀 The ABC model (Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence) demonstrates how behavior is more strongly influenced by its consequences than by the cues before it.
• 😀 Grand Theft Auto's popularity is largely driven by its freedom and autonomy, not just violence. These elements allow players to explore consequences, which is central to human motivation.
• 😀 Rules in games like Grand Theft Auto or Minecraft don’t limit freedom; they create structures that allow for exploration and decision-making within a defined context.
• 😀 Delayed gratification is one of the key factors in motivating behavior change and is essential for developing self-control.
• 😀 In behavioral psychology, failure should be reframed as a positive learning experience, especially for children or learners, to encourage experimentation and persistence.
• 😀 Freedom and competence are two of the most important factors that motivate individuals to keep engaging with tasks and learning, as seen in game design and behavioral psychology.

Q & A

How many days does it take to create a new habit, according to the research referenced in the script?

Research led by Philippa Lally in Great Britain found that it takes anywhere between 14 and 256 days to form a new habit, with an average of 66 days. The often quoted 21 days is not accurate.

What does the speaker believe is the most effective way to change behavior?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of changing behavior through personal experiences rather than lectures. Experiences help reinforce the learning process, leading to longer-lasting behavior changes.

What role does encouragement play in behavior change, based on the 'hot-cold' experiment in the script?

The 'hot-cold' experiment demonstrates that small encouragements, such as applause for progress, can significantly influence behavior. Positive reinforcement motivates individuals to continue moving in the right direction, making them more likely to repeat the behavior.

What does the speaker mean by the 'ABC model' in behavioral psychology?

The ABC model refers to the relationship between Antecedents (A), Behaviors (B), and Consequences (C). The model suggests that behavior is more influenced by the consequences (C) that follow it than by the antecedents (A) that precede it.

Why does the speaker refer to 'Nintendo psychology' when discussing behavior change?

The speaker refers to 'Nintendo psychology' by highlighting how games like Super Mario succeed without explicit instructions. The success lies in how players learn through trial and error, which aligns with the psychological principles of experience-based learning and reinforcement.

What is the key feature of Grand Theft Auto that makes it so popular, according to the speaker?

The key feature of Grand Theft Auto that makes it popular is the sense of freedom it offers players. The game allows players to make choices and experience the consequences of their actions, enhancing the learning process through autonomy and competence.

What are the three consequences that researchers found to be most effective for human motivation?

The three most effective consequences for human motivation are freedom (autonomy), competence (mastery), and relatedness (social connection). These factors are central to self-determination theory and are key drivers in motivating behavior.

What does the speaker mean when he says, 'rules create more freedom'?

The speaker argues that rules, when structured correctly, can actually increase freedom. For example, rules give players in games like football a framework within which they can explore and act, thus enhancing their sense of autonomy while maintaining order.

How does failure factor into the speaker's discussion on behavior change?

Failure is framed as a positive learning experience. The speaker refers to research showing that people, particularly children, can grow by embracing failure as a way to learn and develop resilience. Encouraging individuals to fail and try again is a key part of reinforcing behaviors.

How does the concept of 'delayed gratification' relate to behavior change in the script?

Delayed gratification is discussed as an important factor in behavior change. It refers to the ability to resist the temptation of immediate rewards in favor of a greater long-term benefit. The speaker suggests that training individuals to master delayed gratification can lead to more sustainable behavior changes.