Nat Torkington

Four short links: 7 July 2009

Motivation, R, Games, and Open Source Medicine

by | @gnat  | Comments: 1 |  7 July 2009

  1. Announcing your plans makes you less motivated to accomplish them -- Tests done since 1933 show that people who talk about their intentions are less likely to make them happen. Announcing your plans to others satisfies your self-identity just enough that you’re less motivated to do the hard work needed. I have noticed this myself. It must be balanced against the other finding that public commitment increases probability of followthrough, which might work in sales but seems to fail miserably in getting me to do anything productive. (via migurski on Delicious)
  2. Rseek -- search engine for info on R. Necessary because of the non-unique project name. (via Benjamin Mako Hill)
  3. Treasure World (Offworld) -- Nintendo DS game that turns wifi spots into collectible treasure. You have to explore the real world as you play the game, another of these games that mix the online and offline worlds. (via waxy)
  4. 50 Successful Open Source Projects That Are Changing Medicine -- notice the large number of electronic health record (EHR) suites. What are the chances of any of them getting a slice of Obama's EHR money that the ex-RedHatters behind The Axial Project are going for? (via timoreilly on Twitter)

tags: brain, games, gaming, healthcare, medicine, open source, psychology, r, statistics

Comments: 1

Sean Hogan [ 8 July 2009 07:43 PM]

RE: Announcing your plans

I wonder if something like this also pertains to morality. e.g. someone who is vocal about being faithful in marriage might assume he is somehow less susceptible to temptation and get complacent.

Or someone who is outspoken on individual liberty might be so focussed on those above him who might abuse their power that he forgets those below him, or only notices them when they side with the system.

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