TED: How can groups make good decisions? | Mariano Sigman and Dan Ariely

The video explores how groups make collective decisions, highlighting the importance of independent thinking and the potential pitfalls of peer pressure. Experiments conducted in Buenos Aires and Vancouver demonstrate that small group discussions can lead to more accurate and thoughtful decisions. The concept of robust averaging is introduced as a method for reaching consensus, and the role of confidence in decision-making is examined. The video concludes with insights into how these findings could inform democratic processes.

What distinguishes groups that reach consensus from those that do not?

What is the robust average and how does it differ from a simple average?

What insights do the researchers have about making good collective decisions?