Baggywrinkle
Well-known member
Whether it is anchors, reefing systems, hull shapes, boat type, or any other purchase decision, many people display choice-supportive bias (or post-purchase rationalisation). It is our tendency to defend our own decisions or later perceive our choices as better than they are. Simply because we made them.
This is why it is usually counterproductive to engage in discussion with people who exhibit strong choice-supportive bias. It makes them defensive and they will seek to justify their decision whatever evidence is provided. Post-purchase rationalisation can be seen quite clearly in posts #116, #118, and #120 above.
A refusal to accept that others have different experiences and therefore different opinions, or even different needs, is one of the obvious results, but the response is also tied to ego - we are not defined by the decisions we make, and the ability to change your mind with changing technology, materials, and new ideas is essential to progress. Even simply accepting that due to different circumstances, other people make a different choice is difficult for someone with choice-supportive bias - but if nobody changed their mind from the accepted "wisdom" we'd still be living in caves.
Things like modern anchors, reliable furling systems, electric winches, electric windlasses, bow thrusters, GPS plotters, solar, water makers, lithium batteries, sugar scoop sterns, light and bright interiors, modern hull designs - the list is endless - these are very attractive features, they make life easier and more pleasant if they fit an individuals needs and desires. We are individuals and one size does not fit all.
Very few people manage the mental gymnastics required to remain totally entrenched in the past, but another feature of someone exhibiting choice-supportive bias is that when they do adopt something new, they become an evangelist, telling people how wonderful it is and then the process starts again, accumulating the anecdotes and "evidence" that support this new choice while ignoring any drawbacks.
If I want an unbiased opinion to make a rational decision I listen to people who list both the pros and cons of alternatives without bias, and who also understand my usage pattern, preferences, and restrictions.
This is why it is usually counterproductive to engage in discussion with people who exhibit strong choice-supportive bias. It makes them defensive and they will seek to justify their decision whatever evidence is provided. Post-purchase rationalisation can be seen quite clearly in posts #116, #118, and #120 above.
A refusal to accept that others have different experiences and therefore different opinions, or even different needs, is one of the obvious results, but the response is also tied to ego - we are not defined by the decisions we make, and the ability to change your mind with changing technology, materials, and new ideas is essential to progress. Even simply accepting that due to different circumstances, other people make a different choice is difficult for someone with choice-supportive bias - but if nobody changed their mind from the accepted "wisdom" we'd still be living in caves.
Things like modern anchors, reliable furling systems, electric winches, electric windlasses, bow thrusters, GPS plotters, solar, water makers, lithium batteries, sugar scoop sterns, light and bright interiors, modern hull designs - the list is endless - these are very attractive features, they make life easier and more pleasant if they fit an individuals needs and desires. We are individuals and one size does not fit all.
Very few people manage the mental gymnastics required to remain totally entrenched in the past, but another feature of someone exhibiting choice-supportive bias is that when they do adopt something new, they become an evangelist, telling people how wonderful it is and then the process starts again, accumulating the anecdotes and "evidence" that support this new choice while ignoring any drawbacks.
If I want an unbiased opinion to make a rational decision I listen to people who list both the pros and cons of alternatives without bias, and who also understand my usage pattern, preferences, and restrictions.