Willamette Institute for Continued Learning - Numeracy and Number Instincts: How to Use Numbers Without Being Used by Them 3-5-26

"Numbers shape decisions, guide attention, and increasingly influence opportunities — yet their meaning is rarely as straightforward as it appears. This talk explores how people experience numbers not only as information but as feelings, signals, and judgments that influence choices across domains such as health, finance, and everyday life. Drawing on research and real-world examples, the presentation introduces the idea of number instincts — the emotional and cognitive responses that numbers evoke — and shows how these instincts can both support and distort understanding. Participants will learn how different numeric formats, metrics, and algorithmic scores shape perception, why subtle signals of uncertainty can be valuable, and how recognizing recurring patterns across contexts fosters steadiness with numbers. Ultimately, the talk argues that fluency with numbers is less about mathematical expertise and more about developing awareness, curiosity, and confidence aligned with understanding — enabling individuals to use numbers without being used by them. Dr. Peters is Professor in both the School of Journalism and Communication and the Department of Psychology at the University of Oregon, and Director of the Center for Science Communication Research. Her primary research interests concern how people judge and decide, and how evidence-based communication can boost comprehension and improve decisions in health, financial, and environmental contexts. "