Extreme Programming - The "peak-end" rule

Author

The "peak-end" rule

Paul Sinnett

2004-04-16, 8:31 pm

Ronald E Jeffries wrote in The Irony Of Extreme Programming:

Isaac Gouy wrote:[color=darkred]

Ronald E Jeffries:[color=darkred]

Isaac Gouy wrote:[color=darkred]
> Not in the least.

There is a problem with using memory of experience over recording. It is
known as the "peak-end" rule. In short, the rule is that we summarise
our experiences by how they were at their peak (best or worst) and how
they ended. This produces a subjective memory that is often at odds with
an objective measurement.

In "The Paradox of Choice," Barry Schwartz gives a graphic example which
I will summarise below. Those of a squeamish disposition should stop
reading now...

Two groups of men having colonoscopy exams were asked to keep a minute
by minute account of their experience and to rate the experience when it
was over. The scope is a tube with a remotely controlled camera on the
end. It is inserted through the rectum to inspect the gastrointestinal
system. The first group had a normal colonoscopy exam. The second had
the same exam, but the scope was left in place for another twenty
seconds before it was removed.

Both groups reported similar peak levels of discomfort. But after the
exam was over, the second group (which had a greater total discomfort)
rated the experience as less unpleasant than the first. This was because
the experience of the inserted scope is less unpleasant than the
experience of the exam itself. Their end experience was better,
therefore their memory of the experience was better.

And it made a real difference to the recall rate. Over a five year
period, those in the second group were more likely to respond to calls
for follow-up exams because they remembered the experience as less
unpleasant.

Ronald E Jeffries

2004-04-16, 8:31 pm

On Sat, 17 Apr 2004 00:29:58 +0100, Paul Sinnett
<paul.sinnett@btinternet.com> wrote:

>The scope is a tube with a remotely controlled camera on the
>end. It is inserted through the rectum to inspect the gastrointestinal
>system.

Just what are you suggesting, Paul? ;->

Good story, though!

--
Ron Jeffries
www.XProgramming.com
I'm giving the best advice I have. You get to decide if it's true for you.

Jason Nocks

2004-04-19, 12:55 pm

Paul Sinnett wrote:

> Ronald E Jeffries wrote in The Irony Of Extreme Programming:

So, Ron actually wrote part of "The Irony of Extreme Programming". We
need to talk with him about that... -just kidding, I got a chuckle out
of this little usenet-ism.

Cheers,
Jason Nocks
SourceXtreme, Inc.
http://www.sourcextreme.com/

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