Why Do So Many People Misunderstand Cognitive Biases?

Cognitive biases. We all have them, but how well do we actually understand them? You’ve probably heard of terms like “confirmation bias” or “anchoring effect,” but what are these terms exactly and why do so many people still get these concepts wrong? 

The need for cognitive biases

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s clear something up. Cognitive biases aren’t inherently bad. In fact, they’re mental shortcuts our brains take to process information more quickly. They’re like the autopilot of our minds, helping us make decisions without having to analyse every tiny detail. However, this autopilot can sometimes steer us in the wrong direction.  

When we learn, our cognitive biases often shape how we process and retain information. For instance, confirmation bias might cause us to focus on material that aligns with what we already believe, while overlooking important details that challenge our understanding. Similarly, the anchoring effect can influence our initial impressions of a new topic, making it harder to adjust our thinking later on. By being aware of these biases, we can adopt more effective learning strategies—like seeking out diverse perspectives and revisiting concepts multiple times—to ensure a more balanced and thorough understanding.

Misconceptions about cognitive biases

So, what are some common misconceptions about cognitive biases? For starters, there’s a common misconception that being aware of a bias is enough to avoid it. 

Spoiler alert: it’s not. 

Just knowing about cognitive biases doesn’t automatically make you immune to them. Our brains are wired to take shortcuts, and those shortcuts are deeply ingrained in our thinking patterns. It’s like knowing that eating too much sugar is bad for you—it doesn’t necessarily stop you from indulging in that extra slice of cake.

Here’s a fun fact you might not know: Did you know that the term “cognitive bias” was first introduced by psychologists Amos Tversky and Daniel Kahneman in the 1970s? Their research was groundbreaking, showing how people often make irrational decisions due to these biases. 

But here’s where it gets interesting: even experts can fall prey to the very biases they study! For example, the curse of knowledge bias can sneak up on a seasoned professional. Imagine a researcher who’s spent years studying complex topics—without realizing it, they might breeze through explanations, leaving their audience behind. The irony? While they’re fully aware of the curse of knowledge bias in theory, they’re still falling into it themselves! It’s a reminder that no matter how much we know, biases have a way of creeping into our thinking.

Cognitive biases are like invisible lenses through which we view the world, and these lenses can significantly impact how we learn. Even if we are aware of them, these biases shape our perceptions, influence our study habits, and even affect how we interpret new information. 

What is the confirmation bias?

Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs while ignoring or undervaluing evidence that contradicts them. In a learning context, this can manifest when students or learners gravitate toward materials or sources that align with their preconceptions, leading to a skewed understanding of the subject matter.

For example, if a student already believes that a particular historical figure was a hero, they might focus on sources that paint that figure in a positive light while disregarding critical perspectives. This selective learning can result in a narrow, one-sided view, which hinders a comprehensive understanding of the topic. To combat confirmation bias, it's essential to engage with diverse sources and perspectives. Methods like debate-based learning or critical thinking exercises can encourage students to actively seek out and consider opposing viewpoints, fostering a more balanced and nuanced understanding of the material. 

What is the anchoring effect?

The anchoring effect refers to the cognitive bias where individuals rely too heavily on the first piece of information they receive (the "anchor") when making decisions. In learning, this can happen when a student’s initial exposure to a topic sets a foundation that is difficult to adjust later, even when confronted with new, conflicting information. 

Imagine a student who hears about a peer's high score on a test. Even if they performed well, they might start judging their own performance based on that high score rather than focusing on their personal progress. This is a prime example of the anchoring effect. In this case, the peer’s score acts as the "anchor"—the first piece of information that sticks in the student’s mind and influences how they view their own success. 

Instead of objectively reflecting on how much they’ve improved or how well they did compared to their own past results, the student gets stuck comparing themselves to that single number. This can lead to feelings of disappointment or inadequacy, even when they’ve actually achieved something commendable. The anchoring effect shows how easily our judgments can be swayed by the first bit of information we encounter, even when that comparison isn’t truly relevant to our own goals or progress.

How cognitive biases influence the way we learn

Understanding how cognitive biases influence learning methods is crucial for both educators and learners. By incorporating learning methods that address these biases, we can enhance the learning process and foster deeper, more accurate comprehension.

For educators, this means designing curricula and teaching methods that actively challenge biases—such as promoting critical thinking, encouraging diverse viewpoints, and revisiting key concepts. For learners, it involves self-awareness and reflection, recognizing when biases may be influencing their understanding and taking steps to counteract them.

Ultimately, by acknowledging the role of cognitive biases in learning, we can develop more effective educational practices that lead to better outcomes and a more accurate grasp of the world around us.

To wrap it up, cognitive biases aren’t just mental quirks; they really shape the way we see, learn, and make decisions. The challenge isn’t just knowing they exist—it’s figuring out how to work through them. When we create an environment that promotes curiosity, critical thinking, and the willingness to explore different perspectives, we can push past the limits these biases create. Biases remind us that learning is a never-ending journey. By questioning our assumptions and revisiting our initial thoughts, we can not only deepen our understanding but also grow in the process. The more we open ourselves to new ideas and challenge what we think we know, the more we unlock new learning methods and new ways of seeing the world.