This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Are you an architect or an archaeologist of your thoughts? As decision scientist Joe Arvai dissects how we make decisions, he draws parallels between construction principles and how we process information using a building code of goals, options, outcomes and tradeoffs. By exploring doubts, reflecting on choices and monitoring if what we decide aligns with our values, Arvai teaches us how our decisions define us.

Dr. Joe Arvai is Professor and Svare Chair in Applied Decision Research at the University of Calgary. He is based in the Department of Geography, the Institute for Public Health, and the Institute for Sustainable Energy Environment and Economy.

He is an internationally recognized expert in the risk and decisions sciences. Arvai’s research explores how people process information and make decisions. His research is focused on developing and testing decision support systems that can be used by people to improve decision quality across a wide range of environmental, social, and economic contexts.

Dr. Arvai is also a Senior Researcher at Decision Research in Eugene, Oregon, and an Adjunct Professor in Engineering and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia. Arvai is also a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Science Advisory Board, and is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences’ Board on Environmental Change and Society.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, selforganized events that bring people together to share a TEDlike experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, selforganized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are selforganized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)