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There’s a famous puzzle that’s entertained mathematicians for decades. You’ve likely heard of it: a game show host presents you with three doors, A, B and C. Behind one is a shiny new car. Behind the other two? Goats. (I don’t know why, but goats it is.)
You’re asked to choose a door. You pick B. The host opens door A, revealing a goat. Then he asks you: do you want to switch to door C or stick with your original choice?
At its heart, this is a probability puzzle. However, it also tells us something about how the human brain works. Why are some people more decisive than others, and what goes on in your brain when you change your mind about something? According to research, humans actually change their minds less often than you might think. More curiously, our brain activity can predict a change of mind before it even happens.
As for whether you should switch your choice when confronted with the doors, there is a correct answer. But would you switch?
Until next week,
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Signe Dean
Science + Technology Editor
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