This Lego experiment shows our brains prefer adding. Here's why it matters

Apr 21, 2021

Understanding the human preference for addition (as opposed to subtraction) could be beneficial for sustainability. Image: Unsplash/Fran Jacquier

Harry Kretchmer

Senior Writer, Formative Content

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image of a roof being added to a lego-based structure

To stabilize this roof, would you remove one block or add several blocks? Image: University of Virginia

a graph depicting people's tendency to choose 'subjective ideas'

Some experiments showed people had a greater tendency to choose ‘subtractive ideas’ (shown in blue) if prompted. Image: Nature

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