Common Cognitive Biases Flashcards
What is a cognitive bias?
A cognitive bias is a systematic deviation from reality in our perception and judgment due to our mindset and limited knowledge.
Give an example illustrating cognitive bias in the workplace.
When choosing between two newcomers—one an Ivy League graduate and the other with a high-school diploma—most would prefer the Ivy League graduate, assuming they are more knowledgeable and capable, which is a cognitive bias based on educational background.
What is confirmation bias?
Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek, interpret, and remember information that confirms our preexisting beliefs, while ignoring or dismissing information that contradicts them.
How did the experiment with students and strangers illustrate confirmation bias?
Students asked different questions based on whether they were told the stranger was an extrovert or an introvert, seeking to confirm the traits they were informed about rather than objectively assessing the stranger’s personality.
What are heuristics in decision-making?
Heuristics are mental shortcuts that help us make quick decisions with minimal effort, based on limited information and past experiences.
What is the representativeness heuristic?
The representativeness heuristic is the tendency to judge the probability or frequency of an event by how much it resembles our existing prototype of that event, such as assuming more expensive or “organic” cereal is healthier without thorough investigation.
Why can heuristics lead to biased decisions?
Heuristics can lead to biased decisions because they rely on superficial f
What is the fundamental attribution error?
The fundamental attribution error is the tendency to overemphasize dispositional factors (like personality) and underestimate situational factors when explaining other people’s behavior.
How does the fundamental attribution error manifest in understanding academic performance?
When a classmate’s grades decline, people often attribute it to laziness or lack of intelligence rather than considering external factors like family issues or health problems.
How can the fundamental attribution error influence societal views on poverty?
Many attribute poverty to personal failings like lack of effort, ignoring external factors like economic conditions or lack of opportunities, which can mislead efforts to address social problems.
What is the impact of cognitive biases on our behavior and decisions?
Cognitive biases can lead to subjective, one-sided views and misguided actions, potentially causing us to make poor decisions or fail to address issues effectively.
Why is it important to be aware of and counter cognitive biases?
Being aware of and countering cognitive biases helps us make more accurate, fair, and informed decisions, improving our personal judgment and societal problem-solving.
What are the three common cognitive biases discussed in The Social Animal?
The three common cognitive biases are confirmation bias, heuristic-caused bias, and the fundamental attribution error.
How can we avoid cognitive biases in daily life?
To avoid cognitive biases, we should seek out diverse perspectives, critically evaluate information, consider situational factors, and be aware of our own mental shortcuts and preconceptions.
