The Odd One Out
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L&D isn't just about giving people content—it's about inspiring real change! But let’s be honest, changing behavior is tricky business. That’s where understanding behavior science comes in handy. This quiz will test (and demystify!) what you know about habits, motivation, memory, and more. Have fun!
What statement about habits is incorrect?
→ The idea that it takes 21 days to form a new habit is a common myth. Research suggests that the time it takes to form a habit can vary widely depending on the behavior, the person, and the context. The 21-day figure was popularized by anecdotal evidence but is not supported by rigorous scientific research.
What statement about motivation is incorrect?
→ While internal motivation can be more sustainable, external rewards can be very effective, especially for tasks that are difficult or not enjoyable. They help kickstart motivation until the task becomes easier or more interesting.
What statement about solutions is incorrect?
→ While nudges can be useful in some situations, they are not the most effective strategy for behavior change. Other approaches, such as modifying the environment or building habits, tend to have longer-lasting effects.
What statement about diagnosing targeted behaviors is incorrect?
→ Just knowing what happens isn't enough—you need to understand why it happens. The "why" helps identify triggers, motivations, and context, which are key for creating effective strategies to change or manage behavior. Without this, any diagnosis may be incomplete and ineffective.
What statement about memory formation is incorrect?
→ Many people believe that memory works like a video recording, but in reality, it is reconstructed each time it is recalled, which can lead to distortions. This means our memories aren’t always accurate and can be influenced by new experiences or emotions. To keep memories reliable, it's important to revisit and reinforce the right information regularly.
What statement about personality tests is incorrect?
→ The MBTI test is very popular, but it lacks scientific evidence and is not considered reliable by many experts. It can be fun and useful for self-reflection, but it shouldn't be relied on as a scientifically accurate measure of personality.
What statement about behavioral barriers is incorrect?
→ Clear goals and motivation alone aren’t enough to overcome behavioral barriers. Habits, environmental factors, and emotional challenges also play a big role, and effective change often requires more comprehensive strategies than just goal-setting.
What statement about measuring behavior change is incorrect?
→ Self-reporting is not enough on its own because it can be biased or inaccurate. It should be combined with other methods, like observations or third-party assessments, for a more accurate picture.