Psychological Explanations - Cognitive Distortions

Question 1

Explain what cognitive distortions are

Answer 1

Faulty, biased and irrational ways of thinking that mean we perceived ourselves, other people and/or the world in a way that does not match reality and is usually negative

Question 2

Explain what hostile attribution bias is

Answer 2

Evidence shows that those who are more likely to be violent are also more likely to misinterpret the actions of others bu assuming they are being confrontational when they are not. Offenders may midstream social cues as in ‘being looked at’ and this may trigger a disproportionate and aggressive response.

Question 3

Explain what Minimisation is

Answer 3

Is an attempt to deny or downplay the seriousness of an offence aka a ‘euphemistic label’ for behaviour (Bandura, 1973)