Cognitive Biases: Impact and Examples

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Questions and Answers

Explain how the concept of 'confirmation bias' can affect a researcher's objectivity when interpreting data. Provide a brief example.

Confirmation bias can lead a researcher to selectively focus on data that supports their hypothesis while downplaying or ignoring contradictory evidence. For example, a researcher studying the effectiveness of a new drug might emphasize positive outcomes while overlooking negative side effects reported by participants.

Differentiate between 'availability heuristic' and 'representativeness heuristic', providing an example of each.

The availability heuristic involves making judgments based on how easily information comes to mind (e.g., thinking plane crashes are more common than car crashes because they receive more media coverage). The representativeness heuristic involves judging the probability of an event based on how similar it is to a prototype or stereotype (e.g., assuming someone who enjoys reading poetry is more likely to be a Classics professor than a truck driver).

Describe a scenario where 'anchoring bias' might influence negotiations, and explain how one could counteract this bias.

In a salary negotiation, the first offer made (the anchor) often unduly influences the final agreed-upon salary, even if the initial offer is unreasonable. To counteract this, one should research the average salary for the position beforehand and focus on objective data rather than being swayed by the initial number presented.

How does 'functional fixedness' inhibit problem-solving? Give an example of how overcoming it can lead to a creative solution.

<p>Functional fixedness is the tendency to see objects as only working in a particular way. For example, if someone needs to hang a picture but lacks a hammer, functional fixedness might prevent them from realizing they could use a heavy wrench as a substitute. Overcoming this would involve recognizing the wrench's potential beyond its typical use.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the 'curse of knowledge' in the context of effective communication. How can communicators avoid this cognitive bias?

<p>The 'curse of knowledge' is the difficulty in imagining what it's like not to know something. In communication, it leads experts to overestimate how easily others will understand their message. To avoid this, communicators should simplify complex ideas, provide context, and use analogies or examples that relate to the audience's existing knowledge.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Cognitive Load

The mental effort required to process new information.

Intrinsic Cognitive Load

Cognitive load related to the inherent difficulty of the material.

Extraneous Cognitive Load

Cognitive load generated by how information is presented to the learner.

Germane Cognitive Load

Cognitive load dedicated to forming connections and schemas.

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What causes Intrinsic Load?

The type of cognitive load directly caused by the complexity of the material being learned.

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Study Notes

Intrinsic cognitive load is directly related to the complexity of the to-be-learned material.

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Description

Explore cognitive biases like confirmation bias, availability heuristic, and anchoring bias. Understand how these biases affect objectivity, problem-solving, and communication. Learn to recognize and mitigate the impact of such biases in research and negotiations.