5 Common Cognitive Biases

[Music] cognitive bias is a systematic error or pattern of deviation that occurs when people process and interpret information about the world individuals construct a subjective constructed reality not based on objective inputs or facts which in turn then impacts decision making and behavior cognitive biases can lead to inaccurate judgments illogical interpretations or distorted perceptions and are sometimes referred to as irrationality however these biases are often a means of simplifying information by finding shortcuts or generalizations to help navigate the world [Music] confirmation bias is the tendency to search select analyze interpret and recall information that supports an

existing belief or value individuals will ignore facts that contradict their view and favor interpreting ambitious evidence that supports their beliefs confirmation bias cannot be eliminated entirely but critical thinking skills can help mitigate and manage it an example of confirmation bias is found during elections individuals tend to actively seek information that casts their preferred candidate in a positive light and the opposition in a negative light [Music] the anchoring effect occurs when an individual's decision making is influenced by a specific point of reference known as an anchor once an anchor is established all subsequent perceptions estimates and

suggestions are changed to accommodate for it this is one of the harder biases to avoid or mitigate an example of the anchoring effect is when choosing to purchase a car if two car models are placed side by side one being more expensive individuals are more likely to buy the cheaper car however this does not mean the chosen car is cheaper relative to all available options only to the more expensive model in this case the expensive car acts as an anchor from which a price benchmark has been set [Music] groupthink is a socially driven psychological bias

where the need to maintain harmony within a group of people can result in dysfunctional or irrational decisions the desire for cohesiveness can lead to group members agreeing at any cost to reach a consensus with minimal conflict as a result decisions are made without critical evaluation or proper analysis since controversial issues or alternative solutions are sidelined to maintain harmony there is a loss of independent thinking and creativity the halo effect occurs when positive impressions formed about a brand individual product or organization in one specific area then further positively influence someone's feeling for them in other areas

this bias is built on an unfounded belief of things being either good or bad based on previous interactions and judgments an example of this would be judging an individual to be nicer or meaner based on their photograph despite never having communicated with them in any form [Music] authority bias is the tendency to give greater weight and assign greater accuracy to the opinions of a person in a position of authority regardless of the context it is classified as a social cognitive bias since the authority figure greatly influences an individual's perceptions beliefs and opinions on a given

matter this is the result of both social and cultural conditioning which teaches that a person in authority has earned or deserves the position they are in if you are interested in studying psychology and want to learn more about psychology courses on offer speak to our higher education consultant to know your options visit us at staffordglobal.org [Music]