Definition of Cognitive Biases
Cognitive biases in psychology refer to systematic patterns of deviation from normativity or rationality in judgment, whereby inferences about other people and situations may be drawn in an illogical fashion. These biases arise from the brain's attempt to simplify information processing and are influenced by mental shortcuts known as heuristics.
Key Types of Cognitive Biases
Common types include confirmation bias, where individuals favor information that confirms their preexisting beliefs; anchoring bias, which involves relying too heavily on the first piece of information encountered; and availability heuristic, where people overestimate the importance of information that is readily available. These biases operate unconsciously and can affect perception, memory, and decision-making.
Practical Examples
For instance, in hiring decisions, anchoring bias might occur when an initial salary offer sets the tone for negotiations, leading to suboptimal agreements. Another example is confirmation bias in news consumption, where a person selectively seeks out articles that align with their political views, reinforcing echo chambers and potentially leading to polarized opinions.
Importance and Applications
Understanding cognitive biases is crucial in psychology for improving decision-making processes in fields like medicine, law, and business. They explain why rational choices are often elusive and inform interventions such as debiasing techniques, which promote awareness and critical thinking to mitigate their effects in everyday life and professional settings.