What role do cognitive biases generally play in decision-making?

Cognitive biases significantly influence decision-making by often distorting rational thinking. These biases, which are systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment, can lead individuals to make decisions based on subjective perceptions rather than objective analysis. For example, confirmation bias might cause a person to focus only on information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs while ignoring contrary evidence, ultimately skewing their decision-making process.

In contrast to enhancing judgment accuracy, which is unlikely given that biases tend to lead to errors in thinking, cognitive biases can complicate the process of making informed choices. While they may sometimes simplify complex decisions by relying on heuristics, this simplification does not guarantee that the resultant decision is rational or optimal. Lastly, although cognitive biases may create consistency in behavior across similar situations, this consistency can often manifest through flawed reasoning rather than sound judgment. Therefore, understanding the role of these biases is crucial for improving decision-making skills.