It's harder to answer questions or solve problems when you're asked to choose between more than four solutions, research shows.
Neuroscientist Paul Glimcher has a simple strategy to cut through the noise and consistently make smart decisions: Instead of trying to pick the best choice, start by picking the worst.
Process of elimination isn't exactly a new concept — you might have learned about it in elementary school — but it can help you avoid mistakes and improve your accuracy making everyday decisions, Glimcher said.
"We're just good at the binary choice task — pick your best and eliminate your worst," Glimcher added.
That's because picking from fewer options can help us make more accurate decisions, said Glimcher.
Persons:
Paul Glimcher, Glimcher
Organizations:
New York University, Fast, CNBC