There have been studies and research conducted on why humans tend to prefer learning from experience rather than from readily available information or existing knowledge. This phenomenon is often referred to as the “experiential learning bias” or the “experiential effect.” Here are a few key insights from relevant studies:
- “The Impact Bias in Decision Making” by Wilson and Gilbert (2003): This study explores the tendency of individuals to overestimate the impact of future events on their happiness. It suggests that people often rely on their own experiences and discount the value of objective information when making decisions, leading to biased judgments and decision-making processes.
- “Why People Fail to Recognize Their Own Incompetence” by Kruger and Dunning (1999): This research examines the cognitive bias known as the Dunning-Kruger effect, where individuals with low abilities or knowledge tend to overestimate their competence. The study suggests that lack of metacognitive skills, such as the ability to accurately assess one’s own knowledge or competence, contributes to the preference for experiential learning rather than relying on existing knowledge.
- “Experience and the Disposition Effect” by Odean (1998): This study focuses on the disposition effect, which refers to the tendency of investors to sell winning stocks too early and hold on to losing stocks for too long. The research finds that investors prefer to rely on their personal experiences with past stock trades rather than considering available information, leading to suboptimal investment decisions.
These studies, among others, highlight the role of cognitive biases, subjective experiences, and the limitations of human decision-making processes in driving the preference for experiential learning over readily available information or known knowledge.
It’s important to note that these studies provide general insights into the topic, and individual preferences and behaviours can vary. For a more in-depth understanding of this subject, I recommend exploring the specific research articles mentioned above or conducting further research on related studies in cognitive psychology and behavioural economics.
click here for a list of highly regarded books in this topic
for free trade setups join our weekly newsletter
