Scientific Definition
Evaluated separately, the smaller-but-complete option beats the larger-but-flawed one.
Plain-English Definition
Evaluated separately, the smaller-but-complete option beats the larger-but-flawed one.
Feynman Explanation
A complete 24-piece dinner set beats a 40-piece set with chipped plates — until they're compared side-by-side.
Core Principle
Evaluated separately, the smaller-but-complete option beats the larger-but-flawed one.
Mechanisms
Pending editorial review.
Evaluated separately, the smaller-but-complete option beats the larger-but-flawed one.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Bundling can backfire when extras feel like dilution.
Inputs (Triggers)
Pending editorial review.
Outputs (Behaviors)
Pending editorial review.
Behavioral Signature
A complete 24-piece dinner set beats a 40-piece set with chipped plates — until they're compared side-by-side.
Examples
- Smaller ice cream in a full cup rated higher than a larger scoop in an oversized cup.
- Bundling can backfire when extras feel like dilution.
Pending editorial review.
Famous Experiments
Pending editorial review.
Design Principles
- Test joint vs. separate evaluation before you bundle.
Measurement Approaches
Pending editorial review.
Evidence
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
The Perverse Incentive Lens™
How this behavior is exploited — and how to redesign around it.
- Test joint vs. separate evaluation before you bundle.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Interactive Mini Network
Click any neighbor to re-center the graph and follow the threads of connection.
Knowledge Graph Neighbors
Auto-linked to the rest of the Human Behavior Taxonomy by family, domain, dimension, and shared keywords.
A color appears different depending on adjacent colors.
The ability to focus on one voice in a noisy environment.
Evaluations are warped by what came immediately before.
We spend less when holding large bills than small ones — same money, different behavior.
One new possession spirals into a cascade of complementary purchases.
Selling winners too early and holding losers too long.
We overweight one aspect of an event when predicting its impact.
One negative trait taints judgment of everything else about a person or company.
Goals become the focus, sometimes at the expense of the underlying purpose.
'Free' is a different psychological category — disproportionately attractive.
How will I feel about this in 10 minutes / 10 months / 10 years?
Inattention or forgetfulness caused by low attention, hyperfocus, or distraction.