Scientific Definition
A finite set of well-defined instructions for solving a problem or performing a computation.
Plain-English Definition
A finite set of well-defined instructions for solving a problem or performing a computation.
Feynman Explanation
The recipe that never forgets the salt, but also never questions the recipe.
Core Principle
A finite set of well-defined instructions for solving a problem or performing a computation.
Mechanisms
Pending editorial review.
A finite set of well-defined instructions for solving a problem or performing a computation.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Algorithms scale decisions, but they also scale embedded assumptions.
Inputs (Triggers)
Pending editorial review.
Outputs (Behaviors)
Pending editorial review.
Behavioral Signature
The recipe that never forgets the salt, but also never questions the recipe.
Examples
- Credit scoring models that approve or reject loans automatically.
- Algorithms scale decisions, but they also scale embedded assumptions.
Pending editorial review.
Famous Experiments
Pending editorial review.
Design Principles
- Audit algorithmic outputs for the edge cases humans would catch.
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.
- Audit algorithmic outputs for the edge cases humans would catch.
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.
Deriving general rules from specific examples; the leap from instance to concept.
The brain evolved to reason adaptively, not always truthfully, to reduce the cost of errors.
We solve problems by adding, even when subtracting would be better.
Assuming that if one option is true, another must be false, when both can be true.
Presuming a purposeful actor behind events that may have no actor at all.
What cannot be settled by experiment is not worth debating.
Every model simplifies reality; some are still useful.
Researchers favor conclusions aligned with their school, team, or sponsor.
Using personal stories or isolated examples instead of evidence.
Claiming something is true or better because most people believe it.
Assuming something is true because it is probable or possible.
Using an authority's opinion as evidence, regardless of its merits.