Human brain is very powerful but it has its own limitations, it always tries to simplify data available to it. This is the phenomenon called cognitive biases.
This concept of cognitive bias was first introduced by researchers Amos Tversky and Daniel Kahneman in 1972.
What is Cognitive Biases?
Cognitive bias refers to a systematic error in thinking that happens as we process and interpret information around us, affecting our decisions and judgments.
These biases helps you make sense of the world and make decisions quickly. They are a part of our survival instincts.
They are mainly:
- Memory-related biases: How you remember an event can be biased for various reasons, and influence decision making
- Attention-related biases: Attention is a limited resource, so brain become selective about what it focus on in the surroundings.
What are the cause of Cognitive Biases?
- Heuristics (mental shortcuts for decision making)
- Emotions
- Individual motivations
- Limitation of the mind’s ability to process information
- Social pressures
How to Identify cognitive bias?
Some signs are:
- Only paying attention to news stories that confirm your opinions
- Blaming outside factors when things don’t go your way
- Attributing other people’s success to luck, but taking personal credit for your own accomplishments
- Assuming that everyone else shares your opinions or beliefs
- Learning a little about a topic and then assuming you know all there is to know about it
“One of the biggest challenges regarding cognitive biases is that it’s often hard to recognize our own biases or those of others around us,” says licensed psychologist David Susman, PhD.
Psychologists believe that many of these biases serve an adaptive purpose: They allow us to reach decisions quickly. This can be vital if we are facing a dangerous or threatening situation.
You can reduce the cognitive biases by understanding and identify your biases and challenging them. Reducing cognitive bias plays a vital role in mental health therapies. Putting an effort in understanding your brain is first step for better help mental health.
Have you ever experience these biases?
MBH/PS