1. Paul Rozsa George Ilieff
Psychological Traps
Paul Rozsa George Ilieff

2. Entrapments: Explanation
Process in which individuals increase their commitment to a course of action in order to justify their investment in it.
Psychological traps urge and encourage an individual or group to move in a certain (mostly unethical) direction. Later the action turns out to be disastrous and there are usually no ways for reverse course.

3. How do we get trapped?
The human motives leading to entrapment nowadays:
Greed and excessive ambition can lead to huge downfall although having initial success
Competition can lead to self- destruction
Don’t be too naive
The bigger commitment we put on one cause, the greater return we expect.

4. Common Entrapments
People tend to "see" what they expect and wish to see, and what is in their self-interest to see.
When something belongs to us, we tend to attach a greater-than-market value to it because it is ours.
People tend to attach greater weight to prospective losses than to equivalent prospective gains.
Opportunities generally seem more valuable to us when their availability is limited.

5. The Dollar Auction Designed by economist Martin Shubik
Game following the rules of auctions
Members bid for 1 dollar
The highest bidder gets the dollar and pays the amount he bids. (For example: 85cents, 15c. Profit)
The second-highest bidder also must pay the highest amount that he bid, but gets nothing in return.

6. How to avoid entrapment
2. Set limits on your involvment and commitment in advance
Money
Time
Importance of reaching the goal

7. How to avoid entrapment
2. Once you set a limit, stick to it!
Do not flip the coin twice

8. How to avoid entrapment
3. Avoid looking to other people to see what you should do

9. How to avoid entrapment
4. Beware of the need to impress others
People tend to become more entrapped when they believe their effectiveness is being judged

10. How to avoid entrapment
5. Remind yourself of the cost involved
Be aware of the resources invested (remind Step 2 – set limits)

11. How to avoid entrapment
6. Remain vigilant
People who are aware of the risks of becoming entrapped are less likely to become a victim

12. Thank you
for your attention