We use mental shortcuts every day to help us make decisions, and oft en we don't even realize it. This program explores fi ve mental shortcuts, or "blind spots": Expectati on, Belief, Availability, Anchors, and Imitati on. Learn why opti cal illusions and magic tricks surprise us, and how our need to confi rm our beliefs oft en prevent a cold. Understand how availability aff ects purchasing habits, how a bias can make a normal price seem like a great sale, and what causes laughter to be so contagious.