Decision-Making and Biases

When we were assigned to think of one instance that I was affected by any biases in making judgments and decisions, I immediately thought of something that I may have an overconfidence bias. That instance was choosing a course in college. To tell you the truth, I was not really an UPCAT passer. I just got reconsidered in a course in U.P. Manila which was quite unpopular to some students. There was only a few of us who took the program, and most of us (I presume) were already thinking of shifting out after the academic year. In fairness, the program was interesting and every subject I had taken was fun and easy. I had really close friends and some not-so-close friends. Everything was just fine but still, I had this sinking feeling that the course was not meant for me, that I was meant for something BIGGER. So just like that, I transferred here to UP Diliman.

Here in this university, I was placed under the B.A. Sociology program. I applied for B.S. Psychology and BAA first but I wasn’t accepted. My aunt explained that shifting to the course I really am rooting for would be easier if I’m already a student here, so I obliged. My first year here was quite a shock – terror teachers, load of readings, papers, different classrooms, and different classmates (Back in UPM, we were only one block that I had the same classmates in every subject). Still, I managed to survive. At the end of the academic year, I applied for BAA again and B.S. Economics. My aunt used to tell me that Econ graduates usually land on good jobs that earn high salaries, which is honestly my main goal in studying. I have a family to support, and I want to give my father a break from being the breadwinner of the family. Eventually, and expectedly, I wasn’t accepted in the BAA program for the third time but instead, got a slot in B.S. Economics.

At first, I was contented. There was this thought that I’m just a step away from my goal but it seems like spikes are preventing me from getting there. I wasn’t doing well with my majors. I had a hard time understanding most of the concepts taught. My electives and GEs were way better, which shouldn’t be the case. To make it short, I was not happy with this course. But then, I’m already out of choices. My family expects me to graduate next year and shifting out again would just delay that. Moreover, it would be an additional burden to my aunt since she’s the one who is supporting my college schooling. I don’t want them to be more disappointed.

If I could just turn back in time, I’ll stick to my first course. I got so overconfident that I could finish my current course smoothly. I miscalculated my abilities. It wouldn’t have ended this way if I got contented to the course I am comfortable in. Well, I’ll just try my best and make-up for my decision.

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Learning A Skill: The Psychology of it All

One skill that I have been wanting to achieve since I was in high school was to learn how to play the piano. I have always been fascinated with the way beautiful music is being put together by just strucking a few chords, how fast, and how graceful. My father and my grandaunt were good at it that they were able to struck the right notes just by listening to the song or relying to their “echoic memory”. Two of my former blockmates also know how to play the piano expertly, and they were usually praised and applauded after finishing a piece. Somehow, I want to be like them, too.

Specifically, I want to learn how the hands are positioned and the basic chords in playing it. If I were to use a book manual, looking to the note and hand-position would be my stimulus, and strucking the piano with that note would be my response. The same would apply if I were to follow a piano teacher (or in my case, my father or my grandaunt).

I think this skill falls under observational learning since I'll be trying to imitate that image shown by the manual (that would be the first process which is attention).

To retain what I'm trying to imitate, the designated letters for this chords should be remembered like that note and hand-position denotes C, D, E, and so on.

In case of motor reproduction, I think I'm capable enough to imitate those chords. I have a complete set of fingers that I could voluntarily control (hehe). I am not color blind (to distinguish black from white), and I am not tone deaf (Beethoven may beg to differ.).

One last requirement would be my motivation to learn that skill. Well ,as we all know, it is human nature to impress other people (ehem), and by learning how to play the piano, I might get that hard-earned praise. I also find it self-satisfying. Just thinking of producing a sweet melody or playing that favorite tune makes me feel happy.

And speaking of praise, I might continue to practice and play that certain tune when I'm starting to hear phrases like “Your starting to sound good.”, or if I hear any of my housemates singing along. Here, I can apply operant conditioning, and those I've said before would be my reinforcers.

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