Week 11: Behavioral Experiments I
Testing Your Hypotheses
Don't just think it—test it. We often treat our negative thoughts as facts. A behavioral experiment treats them as hypotheses that need to be tested in the real world.
Instead of assuming "If I speak up, everyone will hate me," we design an experiment to see what actually happens.
What exactly do you fear will happen? Be specific.
Example: "If I ask the cashier for extra napkins, she will roll her eyes and be rude."
What will you do to test this? (Keep it safe and manageable).
Example: "I will go to the coffee shop and ask for extra napkins."
What actually happened? Did your prediction come true?
Example: "She smiled and gave me a handful. She didn't roll her eyes."
What did you learn? How does this change your belief?
Example: "People are generally helpful, not hostile. Asking for what I need is okay."