PSYCHOLOGY
psychology
memory
experience
bias
The Peak-End Rule: How We Remember
We don't remember the average of an experience. We only remember the most intense moment (the peak) and the end. How to hack your memory.
Daniel Kahneman• 5 min read
The Colonoscopy Study
In a painful study, Daniel Kahneman compared two groups of patients undergoing colonoscopies.
- Group A: Short procedure, painful throughout.
- Group B: Long procedure, painful at first, but the doctor left the scope in gently for a few extra minutes at the end (less pain).
Logically, Group B suffered more total pain. But later, they rated the experience as less unpleasant. Why? Because the ending was better.
Duration Neglect
Our remembering self ignores duration. It takes a "snapshot" of the Peak (best or worst moment) and the End. A 2-week vacation that ends with a lost passport is remembered as a disaster, even if 13 days were perfect.
Design Your Endings
Use this to your advantage.
- In Arguments: Always end on a conciliatory note. That's what will be remembered.
- In Work: Save the most enjoyable task for last.
- In Vacations: Plan a grand finale. You are the editor of your own life story. Cut the boring parts; highlight the peaks; perfect the ending.