Cognitive biases Flashcards
1
Q
Define cognitive biases.
A
- errors in which we process information that affect our attention, memory and decision-making
2
Q
What is an issue with cognitive biases?
A
- undermine our ability to make rational choices and logical decisions
3
Q
Why are cognitive biases used for?
A
- they are shortcuts that help us process incoming information
- helping us to make decisions quickly
4
Q
What are three types of cognitive bias?
A
- fundamental attribution bias
- hostile attribution bias
- confirmation bias
5
Q
What is fundamental attribution bias?
A
- when individuals overemphasise personal characteristics and ignore situations factors when judging other behaviour
6
Q
What is an example of fundamental attribution bias?
A
- quiet person at a party
- think they are unfriendly when actually they might just be feeling unwell
7
Q
What is confirmation bias?
A
- the tendency to search for, interpret and recall information in a way that supports what we already believe
8
Q
What is examples of confirmation bias?
A
- political news is biased to organisations beliefs (people watch the news which support their views)
- horoscopes and finding correct interpretations as there is so many
9
Q
What is hostile attribution bias?
A
- a tendency to assume that someone else’s behaviour has an aggressive or antagonistic motive when it is actually neutral
10
Q
What is an example of hostile attribution bias?
A
- road rage
- assuming someone cutting you off is an purpose instead of accidental
11
Q
What is a piece of research that supports cognitive biases?
A
- Loftus & Palmer 1974
12
Q
What is a strength evaluation of cognitive biases?
A
- applications to real-life behaviour
- HAB explains aggressive people
- is then able to prevent behaviours, reduce aggression & conflict
13
Q
What is a weakness evaluation of cognitive biases?
A
- FAE is not universal
- culturally specific not feature of all human behaviour
- collectivist cultures proritised over individuals needs, tend to attribute behaviour to situational factors not to personality