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What is Cognitive Bias?

Cognitive Bias

A cognitive bias is a flaw in reasoning that leads to faulty decisions and judgments.
Definition
Daniel Wirtz
Daniel Wirtz
Co-Founder, Facilitator School
Last updated
June 14, 2024

Cognitive bias refers to the systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment, whereby inferences about other people and situations may be drawn in an illogical fashion. Individuals create their own 'subjective social reality' from their perception of the input. An individual's construction of social reality, not the objective input, may dictate their behavior in the social world. Thus, cognitive biases may sometimes lead to perceptual distortion, inaccurate judgment, illogical interpretation, or what is broadly called irrationality.

While everyone possesses cognitive biases, recognizing them is a crucial step in managing them effectively. By understanding that these biases often arise from our brain's attempt to simplify information processing, we can work towards correcting our judgments and making more rational decisions. This understanding is particularly critical in environments like meetings and workshops, where decisions and judgments play a crucial role in outcomes.

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Cognitive Bias

What are the common causes of cognitive bias?

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Cognitive biases can be caused by a variety of factors including mental shortcuts (heuristics), social influence, emotions, and limited information processing abilities. These biases are often a result of our brain's attempt to simplify information processing.

What are different types of cognitive bias?

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There are numerous types of cognitive biases that can influence our thoughts and decisions. Key examples include confirmation bias, where we favor information that corroborates our existing beliefs, and anchoring bias, where we rely too heavily on the first piece of information (the 'anchor') we receive on a topic.

How does cognitive bias affect decision-making?

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Cognitive bias can significantly impact decision-making by causing us to make choices that are not objectively rational. Biases can lead to overconfidence, underestimating risks, or ignoring relevant information, which can all result in flawed decisions.

How to overcome and prevent cognitive bias in meetings?

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Preventing cognitive bias in meetings can be achieved through methods like promoting a culture of open dialogue, using structured decision-making processes, and encouraging diverse perspectives. Employing techniques such as brainstorming and devil's advocate approaches can also help mitigate the effects of biases by challenging prevailing assumptions and exploring alternative viewpoints.

What are the signs of cognitive bias in group work?

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Signs of cognitive bias in group work include groupthink, where the desire for conformity results in an irrational decision-making outcome, and polarization, where group discussions lead to more extreme positions. Observing these patterns can help in identifying the presence of cognitive biases.

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