TOW #17 - IRB Blink

Could a split second decision possibly be more effective than a well thought out timely decision? Contrary to popular beliefs, Malcolm Gladwell argues that decisions made in a blink of an eye can actually have very powerful effects, at times being even more effective than a planned decision. To a certain extent, Malcolm Gladwell's argument is valid as shown in his numerous strong evidences, but many times throughout Blink he also shies away from the importance of well-timed decisions as well.  

   Gladwell effectively proves the power of split second decision through the use of statistical evidence and persuasive credible sources.  In a study done on the theory of thin slice by psychologist John Gottman, "If he analyzes an hour of a husband and wife talking, he can predict with 95 percent accuracy whether that couple will still be married fifteen years later. If he watches a couple for fifteen minutes, his success rate is around 90 percent." (Gladwell 21-22). While most people may believe it would take a lifetime to truly get to know the relationship between two people, Gladwell proves the importance of thin sample size data. Although in statistics, the more data will lead to accurate results, Gladwell proves his argument that there is great power in quick analysis and decisions.  With such a high accuracy, it is hard not consider the out-of-the-norm claim that Gladwell brings up.

     Although Gladwell does an excellent job opening up the eyes of the audience with his stunning evidence, one must consider counterarguments to the claim as well. When meeting a new person, Gladwell argues, "you can learn as much - or more - from one glance at a private space as you can from hours of exposure to a public face" (Gladwell 37). Although this may be true in many cases, opposing viewers may argue against the statement by stating that the illustrated situation is based on people's prejudices. The people that quickly glance at someone's possession are merely making judgements based on their thoughts, not based on the others' personalities which can be better identified through longer conversations. Although the statement "decisions made very quickly can be every bit as good as decisions made cautiously and deliberately" is a valid argument, Gladwell's claim cannot be said to be completely true as the ideas presented are highly controversial.