Noise by Daniel Kahneman (Paperback)

Noise by Daniel Kahneman, Olivier Sibony and Cass R. Sunstein looks at inconsistent judgement and the way it can alter outcomes in both everyday situations and high-stakes work. It considers why two specialists may reach different conclusions when faced with cases that seem the same, and how a single decision-maker can arrive at different answers depending on timing and circumstances.

The authors refer to this variability as “noise” and describe how it can contribute to errors across a broad range of fields, including medicine, law, public health, economic forecasting, forensic science, child protection, creative strategy, performance review and hiring. Drawing on the style of analysis associated with Thinking, Fast and Slow and Nudge, the book examines how noise and bias shape decisions, why their effects are often missed, and what can be done to reduce them.

Key details

• Paperback book
• By Daniel Kahneman, Olivier Sibony and Cass R. Sunstein
• Focuses on variability in judgement, described as “noise”
• Considers how noise and bias can influence decision-making
• Uses examples from medicine, law and other professional contexts

Synopsis

Noise explores why judgements that might be expected to align can differ widely between professionals, and even for the same person at different times. It sets out how this inconsistency can lead to errors in many areas and argues that its impact is frequently overlooked. The authors also present remedies intended to help reduce noise and improve decision-making.