The Paradox of Choice - Why More Is Less

Google TechTalks
April 27, 2006

Barry Schwartz

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• google
• paradox
• of
• choice
• barry
• schwartz

[Aspartamebraintumor]

I want to see the cartoons.

[flashdrvnk]

Great Talk, but I miss the comics :\

[pokewindwaker]

it's like 1984 all over again

[NakedUndone]

Are you in the market for a sub-compact sedan? You might look at a Ford Focus, a Hyundai Elantra, a Mazda 3, a Kia Rio, a Chrysler Neon, etc. But if you look at the specs, they're really all practically the same car. McPherson strut suspension, 2 liter (or there-abouts) engine, ~140 hp, front discs, rear drums, etc. Is that what he calls, "more choice?"

[NakedUndone]

The problem with this talk, is that I don't think that there really are more choices in today's world. There may be more "options", but that doesn't translate to more choices. Once I needed a miniature, screw-cap bulb (6V, 0.5A) for my bicycle light. I wandered through a hardware store the size of a warehouse but twice failed to find it. They didn't have it at an "electronics" store either. Which seems odd since millions of devices that use such bulbs have been manufacture in the last 50 years.

[anarchysith1992]

@ MrWoodrow123, that's why its called a paradox. Simple answer to you long comment.

[lahotti2]

wow



[MrWoodrow123]

Good talk, and I agree somewhat. Some of the statistical references are shallow though and are presented as complete in order to support the presentation. One that comes to mind is that people overwhelmingly do not like the current number of options that they are presented with. The conclusion is that choices should be removed.

This is an incomplete analysis. I agree that Starbucks could reduce their choices...but not by removing my favorites. Choices are bad unless they are what I want..right?

[cr34t0r1234]

I came to america 11 years ago from eastern europe, where I got a chance to experience some of the soviet regime. and one of the first realizations that I had was number of options I had when I went to a fast food restaurant. When my mom would make us lunch or supper, there was usually no choice involved you ate what you were served and I now appreciate that much more than all the 25 choices I get lost in and don't feel that I had something special to eat for a meal. these theories are real :)

[flowewritharoma]

the circumstances is so dangerous.

[carlitosvodka]

the cartoons are great, i want to relate this speech to becker's study of love economics and mate selection. you know that feeling of what if i went with him/her instead, how happy would my life be? also preference curve changes radically if you were set to marry one person with out a choice.

[carlitosvodka]

i have a phone with so many functions. i sold it didnt use all the features.