Cognitive Biases

Cognitive biases are limitations in our thinking that can lead to irrational decisions and judgments. They are caused by our brain’s tendency to use mental shortcuts to make sense of the world around us. Our “Question More, Action Knowledge” philosophy emphasizes the importance of nurturing a mindset of active questioning and discovery.

Cognitive biases can have a significant impact on our lives. They can lead to us making poor financial decisions, choosing unhealthy relationships, and even putting ourselves in danger. However, by being aware of these biases, we can take steps to reduce their impact on our thinking and make more rational decisions.

Table of Contents

Perception and Attention Biases

These biases affect how we perceive, remember, and focus on information.

Inattentional Blindness

When we fail to notice things that are right in front of us because we are not paying attention.

DALL·E 2024-05-12 18.28.36 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Inattentional Blindness'. The icon should visually represent the concept of inattentional blindness, fea

Availability Bias

When we overestimate the likelihood of events that are easy to remember.

DALL·E 2024-05-12 18.22.32 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Availability Bias'. The icon should visually represent the concept of availability bias, featuring a bra

Framing Effect

When our decisions are influenced by the way information is presented.

DALL·E 2024-05-12 18.16.18 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Framing Effect'. The icon should visually represent the concept of perception being influenced by how in

Anchoring Bias

When we use an initial piece of information as a reference point for subsequent judgments.

DALL·E 2024-05-12 18.22.28 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Anchoring Bias'. The icon should visually represent the concept of anchoring bias, featuring an anchor s

Illusion of Control

When we believe we have more control over events than we actually do.

DALL·E 2024-05-12 18.23.54 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Illusion of Control'. The icon should visually represent the concept of illusion of control, featuring a

Decision-Making Biases

Biases in this category affect how we make judgments, evaluate risks, and take action.

Planning Fallacy

Underestimating the time, costs, and risks of future actions, often resulting in delays.

planning-fallacy

Confirmation Bias

When we seek out and interpret information that confirms our existing beliefs.

DALL·E 2024-05-12 18.16.13 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Confirmation Bias'. The icon should visually represent the concept of selective perception, featuring a

Sunk Cost Fallacy

When people continue investing in something because of the time, money, or effort they’ve already spent, even if it’s no longer a good decision.

DALL·E 2024-10-25 13.09.18 - A minimalistic icon for 'sunk cost fallacy,' using a simple, consistent blue color scheme. The icon could show a person continuing to pour money or re

Loss Aversion

When we feel the pain of a loss more strongly than the pleasure of a gain.

DALL·E 2024-05-12 18.27.31 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Loss Aversion'. The icon should visually represent the concept of loss aversion, featuring a scale with

Optimism Bias

When we believe we are less likely to experience negative events than others.

DALL·E 2024-05-12 18.31.06 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Optimism Bias'. The icon should visually represent the concept of optimism bias, featuring a half-filled

Action Bias

The tendency to prefer taking action, even when doing nothing might be the better option.

DALL·E 2024-10-24 16.41.01 - A minimalist instruction-manual-style icon representing action bias, featuring a single figure in motion, symbolizing taking action or making a move.

Scarcity Bias

Valuing scarce resources more, often irrationally.

scarcity-bias

Caveman Syndrome

Tendency to avoid change and seek comfort in familiarity, often based on primal fears.

caveman-syndrome

Social Influence Biases

These biases relate to how others influence our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors.

Attribution Error

Attributing others’ actions to their character rather than situational factors, while doing the opposite for oneself.

attribution-error

Bandwagon Effect

When people adopt a behavior or belief simply because others are doing it.

DALL·E 2024-10-25 13.09.59 - A minimalistic icon for 'bandwagon effect,' using a simple, consistent blue color scheme. The icon could show a group of people or figures moving in t

Bystander Effect

People are less likely to help someone in need when others are present, assuming someone else will take action.

DALL·E 2024-10-23 19.56.43 - A minimalist square icon representing the bystander effect, designed in a simple blue color scheme. The icon should feature a group of figures standin

Pygmalion Effect

The phenomenon where higher expectations lead to improved performance.

DALL·E 2024-10-24 10.48.18 - A minimalist square icon representing the Pygmalion Effect, designed in a simple blue color scheme. The icon should feature a figure with an upward ar

Comparison Fallacy

The mistaken belief that your worth or success is determined by comparing yourself to others, leading to distorted self-perception.

DALL·E 2024-10-22 10.29.17 - A minimalist icon representing the Comparison Fallacy, designed in the same style as the previous icons with a simple blue color scheme. The icon shou

Adaptation and Self-Perception Biases

This category focuses on biases related to self-evaluation, expectations, and adaptation to change.

Hedonic Adaptation

The tendency to quickly return to a stable level of happiness, regardless of positive or negative changes in life.

DALL·E 2024-10-23 08.39.57 - A minimalist icon representing Hedonic Adaptation, designed in the same style as the previous icons with a simple blue color scheme. The icon should f

Hindsight Bias

The tendency to believe, after an event has occurred, that you knew or predicted the outcome all along.

DALL·E 2024-10-22 09.21.10 - A minimalist icon representing hindsight bias, designed in a similar style to the attached glass icon. The icon should feature a simple silhouette of

Novelty Bias

Preference for new or unusual experiences, often leading to a bias where new stimuli capture attention more easily.

novelty-bias

Here are some tips for reducing cognitive bias:

  • Be aware of your own biases. The first step to reducing cognitive bias is to be aware of your own biases. This can be difficult, as we are often not aware of the ways in which our thinking is biased. However, there are a number of resources available that can help you identify your own biases. 
  • Seek out diverse perspectives. One of the best ways to reduce cognitive bias is to seek out diverse perspectives. This means talking to people who have different backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs than you. By exposing yourself to different perspectives, you can challenge your own beliefs and assumptions. 
  • Be critical of your own thinking. When you are making a decision, take some time to think critically about your own thinking. Ask yourself if you are being influenced by any cognitive biases. If you are, try to adjust your thinking accordingly.

Explore our comprehensive resources and immersive learning experiences to embark on a transformative journey of questioning, discovery, and application. Unlock the full potential of critical thinking and empower your child to thrive in an ever-changing world.