Researchers at the University of New South Wales in Britain explored how intuition works in the brain, shedding light on its practical value in everyday life. The findings suggest that intuitive thinking can be sharpened and applied to improve decision making and actions over time. [Citation: UNSW cognitive science study report].
According to the study’s lead author, Joel Pearson, intuition emerges from the brain’s ability to harness unconscious information in constructive ways to guide choices, especially in familiar contexts or after exposure to relevant experiences. This view positions intuition as a learned skill rather than a mysterious instinct, one that can be nurtured through awareness and practice. [Citation: Pearson interview notes].
The research describes intuition as an ongoing process where the brain continuously analyzes the surrounding environment and generates predictive assessments drawn from both personal encounters and broader cultural inputs such as films and media. These mental simulations help form expectations about what might happen next, guiding people toward actions that feel right in the moment. [Citation: Neural prediction mechanisms overview].
Several impressions from past events are automatically woven into present situations, shaping a person’s motivation to act—whether to proceed, pause, or change course. This seamless blending of memory and perception can lead to a confident sense of direction, but it can also produce hesitation if the context does not fit past patterns. [Citation: Cognitive integration of memory and perception].
Experts generally note that intuition can be a beneficial compass, yet they urge caution in distinguishing it from other cognitive phenomena that may resemble predictive insight. Emotional reactions, unfounded worries, biases, and the search for patterns where none exist can all masquerade as intuition and mislead judgment if not carefully checked. [Citation: Critical appraisal of intuitive signals].
Pearson emphasizes that intuitive judgments tend to be most reliable when the thinker is emotionally steady and has time to assess the cues present in the brain. He cautions against overreliance on intuition when encountering a task that is entirely new, where prior patterns may not apply. It is also important to separate intuitive responses from reflexive actions, habitual behaviors, and impulsive reactions. In stable, predictable environments, intuition often aligns with accurate outcomes, whereas unfamiliar or ambiguous situations may generate misleading signals. [Citation: Practical guidelines on using intuition].
Earlier work from psychologists suggested that success in life is driven more by social skills than by raw talent, highlighting the importance of how people interact and interpret social cues. This perspective remains influential in understanding how intuition functions within social domains and how it can be refined through experience and communication with others. [Citation: Psychological literature on social skills and success].