What are Cognitive Biases? Understanding the Invisible Forces Shaping our decisions.
WEEK 2, PART 1
Shedding Light on Biases; How They Influence Our Decision Making. Real Stories, Real Insights
"I always considered myself a logical thinker. Lately I've started questioning that assumption. How can we be sure that our decisions are truly based on reason?”
Sarah, 34 Software Engineer
Sarah’s query delves into an element of thought that many of us struggle with. We often take pride in our ability to make sound and informed choices. However, beneath the facade of our decision-making processes lie powerful, often invisible forces that shape our perceptions, judgments, and decisions: cognitive biases.
Cognitive biases are patterns of deviation from the norm or rationality in decision making. These biases can distort our perceptions, lead to inaccurate judgments and result in illogical interpretations. Collectively termed as irrationality.
"If these biases are so prevalent, why haven't they been widely discussed before? More importantly what purpose do they serve?" Tom, a 45-year high school teacher.
Tom’s questions are great as they raise thought provoking questions that serve as a foundation for exploring cognitive biases. These biases are not imperfections in cognition but rather adaptations honed over generations to aid our ancestors in navigating a world where swift judgments could determine life or death.
Emily, a 28-year marketing executive questions the relevance of these shortcuts in our contemporary society. Despite changes our brains still lean on these primal mechanisms. While these mental heuristics can be advantageous in processing information and making decisions, they may also lead us astray in today’s intricate world potentially resulting in less than ideal or detrimental choices.
Common Cognitive Biases:
1. Confirmation Bias:
One prevalent cognitive bias is confirmation bias. Emily reflects on how discussions with her brother about politics reveal their tendency to selectively recall facts that align with their viewpoints.
"Is this an occurrence?”. Alex, a 31-year journalist questioned.
Alex’s description highlights a case of confirmation bias. The human inclination to seek out, interpret and remember information that aligns with our existing beliefs or values.