What are cognitive biases?

Cognitive biases are patterns of irrational judgment that occur when people process information. These biases can lead to systematic deviations from norm or rationality in judgment. They often occur as a result of the brain’s attempts to simplify information processing and can affect how we interpret experiences, make decisions, and interact with others.

These biases include things like confirmation bias, where individuals favor information that confirms their preexisting beliefs, or availability heuristic, where people judge the likelihood of an event based on how easily instances come to mind. This influence can have wide-ranging effects, from personal decision-making to broader social perceptions and interactions.

Recognizing cognitive biases is crucial because it helps individuals understand the potential flaws in their reasoning and decision-making. By becoming aware of these biases, one can work towards minimizing their impact and striving for more rational, objective thoughts and actions. The other options do not accurately represent the characteristics of cognitive biases, as they focus on behaviors or decision-making processes that do not encapsulate the irrational tendencies indicated in the definition of cognitive biases.