Blink: The Power of Thinking Research Paper

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So Gladwell is saying that it is the perception of a lack of caring, not the actual competency of the physician, that more than anything else defines how a patient perceives their treatment or not (p. 39). Again, as Gladwell does so well in this book, he mixes the empirical research, this time with auditory analysis by physicians and then in-clinic analysis of treatment results and arrives at the conclusion that doctors with the highest malpractice claims instantly give the impression they are "talking down to you..." (43) and in general communicating a complete lack of empathy.

The power of the Glance or coup d'oeil

Gladwell next moves into the areas of how the military has complex, methodologically diverse approaches to defining how they will move their supply chains, troops, and in a combat theatre, position themselves for victory. Throughout nearly 20% of the entire book, Gladwell discusses how the methodological approaches to warfare have been mediocre at best. His concentration within the writing is more on how the past is no predictor of the future, and that intuitive insights of coup d'oeil or the power of the glance, are exceptional in their academic research support. Further, Gladwell takes greater effort to make sure the full context of how the power of the glance in a military operation so the strategic context of this lesson can be seen. The alacrity and speed he attributes to the leaders who practice a more coup d'oeil-based approach is dramatic in the quickness with which results are achieved.

The Harding Error is a fascinating look at how thin-slicing has a negative side as well. Harding, in 1899, is described by Ohio politics party boss Harry Dougherty as nothing short of an Adonis, or Roman god. Because during this period of the nations' history the connotation of being tall, athletic, handsome and from the Midwest of the United States all combined to create the perception of exceptional comp0oitnecy and intelligence as well. Nothing could have been further from the case for Warren G. Harding.

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As Gladwell dissects and evaluates how Harding found himself in the White House, incapable of leading the nation, his earlier analyses and contents of how powerful thin-slicing is when it goes wrong. As the book states (p. 74, 75) that Harding received the nomination more because he looked like a President than ever had the mental acuity or intelligence to actually do the job. Gladwell continues with one of the more provocative areas of the book and discusses how the concept of the Implicit Association

Test (Blink, p. 77) proves if a person is predisposed to racially profile another person or not. This is uncomfortable and while many of the critics of this book point to the inherent limitations of such a controversial survey instrument in a book, it does prove the point of how thin-slicing is inherent in everyone. Taking the test one can quickly see how biases not immediately evident from day-to-day interactions with other people. Meant to inform and nudge the reader, the test is considered the most provocative and controversial aspect of this book by its critics. The chapters Kenna's Dilemma and Seven Seconds in the Bronx also thoroughly explore the scenarios where thin-slicing can lead to racial profiling as well. Gladwell concedes in the book that his appearance led him to such an in-depth analysis of how thin-slicing impacts perception.

Summary

This is a powerful book because it significantly changes how one views the world and their reaction to it. Further, the concepts of thin-slicing and its positive and negative implications are clearly described in the many scenarios and anecdotal stories and vignettes included in the book. Further, Gladwell has a unique ability to support anecdotal stories with thorough research, while keeping the narrative interesting and in motion to accomplishing the main points of his chapters and book overall.

Gladwell, Malcolm. BLINK: The Power of Thinking Without….....

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