5 ms·

Well, lucky people could just be more naturally observant. It seems that would be a useful trait.

• ccarpenterg 17y ago
  This is more about anxiety than luck. It seems the 'unlucky' volunteers had a higher level of anxiety and thus a decreased ability to detect opportunities. Anxiety and stress can interfere in many activities.
  • modelic3 17y ago
    Totally true. Anxiety saps all kinds of brain power.
    • cojadate 17y ago
      I'm not so sure. I've found a certain level of anxiety can make me perform better at things. Complacency can be dangerous too in my experience.
      • modelic3 17y ago
        True but anxiety tends to narrow focus and depending on what you are trying to accomplish it can either help or hurt.
• hackerblues 17y ago
  Perhaps also more trusting/optimistic. Ie, for the newspaper experiment, the message said there were 43 pictures but why should you trust it?
  • tyn 17y ago
    True, I would still count them after ssing the message