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Harnessing Our Inner Angels and Demons: What We Have Learned About Want/Should Conflicts and How That Knowledge Can
Katherine L Milkman1, Todd Rogers1, Max H Bazerman2
1Harvard University.
Summary
People often face internal want/should conflict between responsibility and impulsivity. Recent research synthesizes 15 years of findings to help individuals and policymakers make better, far-sighted decisions.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Economics
- Psychology
Background:
- Human behavior often involves a conflict between desires (wants) and responsibilities (shoulds).
- Empirical investigation into this want/should conflict is a relatively recent development in psychology and economics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize recent empirical research on want/should conflict.
- To discuss practical applications of this research for decision-making.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of empirical studies on want/should conflict.
- Analysis of findings from the last 15 years of research.
Main Results:
- A growing body of empirical research exists on the want/should conflict.
- Understanding this conflict can inform strategies for better decision-making.
Conclusions:
- Individuals and policymakers can leverage research findings on want/should conflict.
- This knowledge can aid in promoting more responsible and far-sighted choices.
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