Heuristics and cognitive biases

Heuristics are cognitive shortcuts or ‘rules of thumb’ that the brain uses to simplify a complex cognitive task. The word ‘heuristic’ comes from the Greek and means ‘which serves to discover’. Heuristics enable us to quickly come up with a satisfactory answer to a complex question. When a satisfactory answer to a complex question does not come quickly to mind, the brain replaces the complex question with a simpler one that comes close.

 

Although heuristics allow us to find answers quickly, they can also lead to incorrect judgements and perceptions. These systematic errors are known as cognitive biases. You can see some of them in the video presentation.

 

Here are a few examples of heuristics and the potential biases that can result:

 

 

  • Representativeness heuristic: This heuristic is used to determine the link between two elements. It can lead to stereotypes and prejudices, as well as attribution errors.
  • Availability heuristic: This heuristic is used to assess the frequency of an event or the probability of it occurring. It can lead to an overestimation of the probability of significant events.
  • Adjustment and anchoring heuristic: This heuristic is used when estimates have to be made without certain knowledge. It can lead to confirmation bias or status quo bias.

 

According to evolutionary theory, heuristics developed from our abilities to perform complex tasks, such as feeding ourselves or recognising danger. Our brains contain an ‘adaptive toolbox’ that includes cognitive processes such as memory and also heuristics.
Heuristics can be seen as effective tools for making decisions quickly. They are useful when information is lacking or the demands of a task exceed capacity. However, it is important to understand the contexts in which it is appropriate to rely on them.
Cognitive biases are systematic and predictable errors in judgement. They occur when information is interpreted and managed. It is important to note that biases are not synonymous with heuristics, but rather an unfortunate consequence of them.
Biases can be categorised in several ways:

 

  • According to the heuristic that generated them.
  • According to the social level at which they occur (individual, interpersonal, intergroup).
  • According to the psychological need they satisfy (need for cognitive closure, self-esteem, social belonging, security, cognitive consonance).

 

Are cognitive biases dangerous? (february 25)

 


 

The biases that surround us...
Bias can be difficult to deal with. It is difficult for people to recognise that they are suffering from a bias. This is what we call the bias blind spot.
For example, there is a number that follows a certain rule: 3-6-12. What do you think is the next number after ‘12’? Think about it for a moment.
Most people would probably answer ‘24’: 2 times 3 is 6, 2 times 6 is 12, and 2 times 12 is 24.
In this way, people easily jump to conclusions. We call this conclusion bias. Once we have drawn a conclusion, we tend to stick to it.
When this tendency is strong, we ignore any evidence to the contrary and insist on consistency. As a result, once we have drawn the conclusion ‘24’, we feel comfortable with that answer and are less inclined to consider other solutions.
However, the answer is not just ‘24’. For example, ‘13’ or ‘9’ is also correct. If the rule for the number is ‘greater than the previous number’, then ‘13’ is also acceptable. Similarly, if the number is ‘divisible by 3’, then ‘9’ is also acceptable. In other words, the attitude of not trying to find another solution is clearly influenced by bias.

 

Systems 1-2 and cognitive biases...(January 25)

 

System 1** and System 2** are two modes of cognitive functioning that constantly interact and are linked to cognitive biases. System 1 is fast, intuitive and automatic, while system 2 is slow, analytical and requires more effort. Cognitive biases, which are systematic errors of judgement, are often the result of excessive reliance on system 1, which is based on intuitions and mental shortcuts.
Here's how these concepts interact and are linked:
* System 1:** This system operates automatically, quickly and unconsciously. It is energy-efficient and relies on experience, habit and intuition. System 1 is essential for rapid decision-making and day-to-day actions. However, it is also more likely to lead to errors and cognitive biases. System 1 is compared to an ‘autopilot’ or thrifty mode, where we assume and settle for an intuitive conclusion.
* System 2:** This system is slow, deliberate and analytical. It requires more cognitive effort and is used for complex tasks or new situations. System 2 allows logical reasoning to be carried out and the errors of system 1 to be corrected. However, it consumes a lot of energy and is not always activated. System 2 is sometimes called the rational or logical system for analysing situations. System 2 is activated when the intuitions of system 1 conflict.
* Cognitive biases:** Cognitive biases are predictable and systematic errors of judgement that affect our perception, reasoning and memory. They often result from excessive use of system 1, which favours mental shortcuts and intuitions, rather than system 2. Cognitive biases can be linked to heuristics, which are approximate rules that the brain uses to simplify complex problems. These heuristics are useful for making quick decisions, but they can also lead to systematic errors, or cognitive biases.
* Relationship between systems and biases:** System 1, being fast and intuitive, tends to favour immediate interpretations and responses and to use automatisms. These automatisms can lead to cognitive biases if information is misinterpreted or if an intuitive response is given without analysis. When system 1 is in action, it can be difficult to activate system 2, which can correct or qualify hasty conclusions.
In short, system 1 and system 2 are two ways of thinking that influence the way we process information, and cognitive biases are often a consequence of the predominance of system 1. Being aware of these mechanisms is essential to improving our decision-making and reasoning. System 3 helps to control the first two systems by inhibiting automatisms and encouraging the activation of algorithms.