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Cognitive Biases: Difference between revisions
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'''Cognitive biases are systematic errors in thinking that | '''Cognitive biases are systematic errors in thinking that affect everyone, often leading to incorrect conclusions when processing information from the world around us.''' These biases are usually the result of mental shortcuts, or [[heuristics]], that our brains use to simplify decision-making. When third parties with harmful intentions exploit these biases, it's referred to as "[[Dark Patterns|dark patterning]]." By understanding and learning about cognitive biases, you can better protect yourself from manipulation and their influence. | ||
== The Objectivity Assumption == | == The Objectivity Assumption == | ||
The best place to start to learn about biases is [[The Objectivity Assumption]], which is the common held belief that one's self is absent of thought bias. | The best place to start to learn about biases is [[The Objectivity Assumption]], which is the common held belief that one's self is absent of thought bias. It can often be quite difficult to accept that the mind works erroneously due to [[cognitive dissonance]] however, once overcome this opens room to learn about the various personal '''[[heuristics]], [[Thought Paradoxes|paradoxes]]''' and '''[[Logical fallacies|fallacies]]''' that make up our minds. | ||
== Types of Cognitive Bias == | == Types of Cognitive Bias == | ||
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=== Perceptual Cognitive Biases === | === Perceptual Cognitive Biases === | ||
The world is incredibly complex, so it's natural that instead of critically analyzing every decision ourselves, we often rely on authority figures whom we believe are better equipped to make those decisions. In childhood, this authority is typically a parent, but later in life, it could be a doctor, religious leader, or other expert. This tendency gives rise to [[Authority Bias]], where we defer to these figures without fully exercising our own judgment. However, power | The world is incredibly complex, so it's natural that instead of critically analyzing every decision ourselves, we often rely on authority figures whom we believe are better equipped to make those decisions. In childhood, this authority is typically a parent, but later in life, it could be a doctor, religious leader, or other expert. This tendency gives rise to [[Authority Bias]], where we defer to these figures without fully exercising our own judgment. However, power often corrupt those we entrust with our decisions, making it essential to maintain our own [[Critical analysis|critical thinking skills]]. Being aware of this bias, and others that may influence us, helps preserve our personal agency and decision-making ability. | ||
* [[Confirmation Bias|'''Confirmation bias''']] - refers to the tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms one's preexisting beliefs or hypotheses, while disregarding or downplaying information that contradicts those beliefs or hypotheses. It can lead people to form inaccurate judgments and gain confidence to make flawed decisions as they may only consider information that supports their existing views and ignore important evidence to the contrary. | * [[Confirmation Bias|'''Confirmation bias''']] - refers to the tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms one's preexisting beliefs or hypotheses, while disregarding or downplaying information that contradicts those beliefs or hypotheses. It can lead people to form inaccurate judgments and gain confidence to make flawed decisions as they may only consider information that supports their existing views and ignore important evidence to the contrary. | ||
* '''[[Availability Bias|Availability Heuristic]]'''<ref>https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11468377-thinking-fast-and-slow</ref> - people tend to use the ease with which they can think of examples when making decisions this is often compounded by the [[Survivorship Bias|survivorship bias]] which is our tendency to favour learning from winners. | * '''[[Availability Bias|Availability Heuristic]]'''<ref>https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11468377-thinking-fast-and-slow</ref> - people tend to use the ease with which they can think of examples when making decisions this is often compounded by the [[Survivorship Bias|survivorship bias]] which is our tendency to favour learning from winners. | ||