> [!tldr] When it comes to choices, less is often better This is a big insight in behavior psychology - **having too many options leads people to not make any choices.** Too many options leads to [[Analysis Paralysis]]. This is a case where [[Less, but Better|less is better]]. ## Doctor Multiple Choice Study a hypothetical question posed in a study: > [!question] > If you, the doctor have recommended surgery on a patient, only to find the patient has **one** pharmacological option they haven't yet used that may help - would you cancel the surgery to have them try the less invasive approach? Response rate: ~47% of doctors cancelled the surgery. > [!question] > If you, the doctor have recommended surgery on a patient, only to find the patient has **TWO** pharmacological optionS they haven't yet used that may help - would you cancel the surgery to have them try the less invasive approach? Response rate: ~20% of doctors cancelled the surgery. **Result**: the existence of TWO possible medicinal alternatives made doctors LESS likely to choose either of them... even though logically two options have a higher chance of success than one. **** # More ## Source - [[Switch (book)]]