Rachlin's extended self: Influences on a Brazilian research group

Area of Science:

• Behavioral science
• Judgment and decision-making
• Experimental psychology

Background:

• Howard Rachlin's seminal 1989 book, "Judgment, Decision, and Choice," profoundly impacted the science of behavior.
• Research and scholarly writing for future generations are characterized as acts of self-control and altruism, echoing Rachlin's perspective.
• Seminars at the University of São Paulo were structured around Rachlin's influential work, fostering student engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the influence of Howard Rachlin's work on behavioral science through practical application in an academic setting.
• To illustrate key concepts from Rachlin's "Judgment, Decision, and Choice" using student-led empirical exercises.
• To highlight the enduring relevance of Rachlin's contributions to contemporary research and education.

Main Methods:

• Two empirical exercises were conducted within seminars at the University of São Paulo.
• The first exercise involved students assessing the randomness of coin-tossing outcomes.
• The second exercise replicated Jones and Rachlin's (2006) study on the social discounting of monetary values.

Main Results:

• Student participation in data collection and analysis provided practical insights into judgment and decision-making.
• The exercises effectively illustrated principles of randomness perception and social discounting.
• The application of Rachlin's concepts in seminars reinforced their significance in behavioral science.

Conclusions:

• Howard Rachlin's work continues to be a vital framework for understanding judgment, decision-making, and choice.
• The seminar format, incorporating empirical exercises, successfully translated theoretical concepts into practical research experience.
• This approach underscores the value of integrating classic behavioral research with modern pedagogical methods.