Cognitive Biases Flashcards
anchoring
The first thing you judge influences your judgment of all that follows.
Be especially mindful of this bias during financial negotiations such as houses, cars, and salaries. The initial price offered has proven to have a significant effect.
the sunk cost fallacy
You irrationally cling to things that have already cost you something.
To regain objectivity, ask yourself: had I not already invested something, would I still do so now? What would I counsel a friend to do if they were in the same situation?
the availability heuristic
Your judgments are influenced by what springs most easily to mind.
Try to gain different perspectives and relevant statistical information rather than relying purely on first judgments and emotive influences.
the curse of knowledge
Once you understand something you presume it to be obvious to everyone.
When teaching someone something new, go slow and explain like they’re ten years old (without being patronizing). Repeat key points and facilitate active practice to help embed knowledge.
confirmation bias
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You favor things that confirm your existing beliefs
Think of your ideas and beliefs as software you’re actively trying to find problems with rather than things to be defended. “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself – and you are the easiest person to fool.” - Richard Feynman
the dunning-kruger effect
The more you know, the less confident you’re likely to be.
“The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are so certain of themselves, yet wiser people so full of doubts.” - Bertrand Russell
belief bias
If a conclusion supports your existing beliefs, you’ll rationalize anything that supports it.
A useful thing to ask is ‘when and how did I get this belief?’ We tend to automatically defend our ideas without ever really questioning them.
self-serving bias
You believe your failures are due to external factors, yet you’re responsible for your successes.
When judging others, be mindful of how this bias interacts with the just-world hypothesis, fundamental attribution error, and the in-group bias.
the backfire effect
When some aspect of your core beliefs is challenged, it can cause you to believe even more strongly.
“It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so.” - Mark Twain
the barnum effect
You see personal specifics in vague statements by filling in the gaps
Psychics, astrologers and others use this bias to make it seem like they’re telling you something relevant. Consider how things might be interpreted to apply to anyone, not just you.
groupthink
You let the social dynamics of a group situation override the best outcomes.
Rather than openly contradicting others, seek to facilitate objective means of evaluation and critical thinking practices as a group activity.
negativity bias
You allow negative things to disproportionately influence your thinking.
Pro-and-con lists, as well as thinking in terms of probabilities, can help you evaluate things more objectively than relying on a cognitive impression.
declinism
You remember the past as better than it was, and expect the future to be worse than it will likely be.
Instead of relying on nostalgic impressions of how great things used to be, use measurable metrics such as life expectancy, levels of crime and violence, and prosperity statistics.
the framing effect
You allow yourself to be unduly influenced by context and delivery.
Only when we have the intellectual humility to accept the fact that we can be manipulated, can we hope to limit how much we are. Try to be mindful of how things are being put to you.
fundamental attribution error
You judge others on their character, but yourself on the situation.
It’s not only kind to view others’ situations with charity, it’s more objective too. Be mindful to also err on the side of taking personal responsibility rather than justifying and blaming.
the halo effect
How much you like someone, or how attractive they are, influences your other judgments of them.
If you notice that you’re giving consistently high or low marks across the board, it’s worth considering that your judgment may be suffering from the halo effect.
optimism bias
You overestimate the likelihood of positive outcomes
If you make rational, realistic judgments you’ll have a lot more to feel positive about.
pessimism bias
You overestimate the likelihood of negative outcomes.
Perhaps the worst aspect of pessimism is that even if something good happens, you’ll probably feel pessimistic about it anyway.
just-world hypothesis
Your preference for justice makes you presume it exists.
A more just world requires understanding rather than blame. Remember that everyone has their own life story, we’re all fallible, and bad things happen to good people.
in-group bias
You unfairly favor those who belong to your group.
Try to imagine yourself in the position of those in out-groups; whilst also attempting to be dispassionate when judging those who belong to your in-groups.
the placebo effect
If you believe you’re taking medicine it can sometimes ‘work’ even if it’s fake.
Homeopathy, acupuncture, and many other forms of natural ‘medicine’ have been proven to be no more effective than placebo. Keep a healthy body and bank balance by using evidence-based medicine from a qualified doctor.
the bystander effect
You presume someone else is going to do something in an emergency situation.
If there’s an emergency situation, presume to be the one who will help or call for help. Be the change you want to see in the world.
reactance
You’d rather do the opposite of what someone is trying to make you do.
Be careful not to lose objectivity when someone is being coercive/manipulative, or trying to force you do something. Wisdom springs from reflection, folly from reaction.
the spotlight effect
You overestimate how much people notice how you look and act.
Instead of worrying about how you’re being judged, consider how you make others feel. They’ll remember this much more, and you’ll make the world a better place.
