What Are Cognitive Biases?角色扮演游戏（RPG）

Cognitive biases are systematic patterns of deviation from rationality in judgment, often leading individuals to make decisions or judgments that are inaccurate or illogical. These biases are inherent in human cognition and arise from the brain's tendency to use mental shortcuts—known as heuristics—to process information quickly and efficiently. While these shortcuts can be useful in many situations, they can also result in predictable errors in reasoning.

The Availability Heuristic

The availability heuristic refers to the tendency to judge the likelihood of an event based on how easily examples come to mind. For instance, people may overestimate the risk of rare but highly publicized events such as plane crashes or shark attacks, while underestimating more common dangers like car accidents or heart disease. This bias can significantly affect decision-making, especially in areas like health, finance, and safety planning.

Confirmation Bias and Its Impact

Confirmation bias is the inclination to search for, interpret, and remember information that confirms one’s existing beliefs or hypotheses. This bias can hinder objective analysis and lead to flawed conclusions in both personal and professional contexts. In scientific research, it may prevent researchers from considering alternative theories, while in daily life, it can reinforce stereotypes or lead to poor decision-making when facing new information.

Conclusion

Recognizing and understanding cognitive biases is a crucial step toward enhancing critical thinking and making better-informed decisions. By being aware of these mental pitfalls, individuals and organizations can develop strategies to mitigate their effects and improve overall judgment. Ultimately, cultivating awareness of cognitive biases empowers people to think more clearly and act more rationally in a complex world.