How do people think and why it matters? Psychology elements

Dive into the cognitive biases and psychological factors that shape decision-making at the science-policy interface.

Why do people make the decisions they do? Join us for the second episode of Bridging Minds—a deep dive into the psychological underpinnings of decision-making at the science-policy interface. While facts and data are often seen as the cornerstones of rational choice, the reality is far more complex. Human cognition is shaped by a web of perceptions, attitudes, values, beliefs, worldviews, and social norms—none of which exist in isolation.

In this session, we’ll unpack the cognitive hierarchy that drives human behavior:

• Values: The deep-seated principles that organize our world, yet remain the hardest to evaluate.
• Beliefs: Subsets of knowledge, shaped by available information and relationships.
• Worldviews: The lenses through which we interpret reality, composed of identities, motivations, and meanings.

We’ll also explore the interdependencies between attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors—how they create cognitive dissonance, influence decision-making, and challenge the myth of the homo economicus. From the Theory of Reasoned Action to Choice Architecture, we’ll examine how conscious and unconscious factors shape the choices we make.

Why does this matter for science-policy interfaces? Because people are not blank slates waiting to be filled with facts. Misunderstandings arise when we assume otherwise, leading to "multiple ignorance"—where differing cognitive frameworks go unrecognized, and collaboration stalls.

Don’t miss this opportunity to rethink how you engage with stakeholders. Register now to uncover the psychological layers beneath decision-making—and learn how to navigate them effectively.

• Webinar 3: How do people think and why it matters? Sociology elements. Explore the social structures and cultural dynamics that influence how knowledge is shared and received. 11th of december
• Webinar 4: Power shaping interactions: What to keep an eye out for? Uncover the hidden power dynamics that define collaborations—and learn how to navigate them effectively. 17th of decemner
• Webinar 5: The Art of Managing a Meeting Master practical techniques to facilitate inclusive, productive, and impactful discussions across diverse stakeholders. 15th of january