Cognitive biases influence decisionmaking from "summary" of Your Brain Is Playing Tricks on You by Albert Moukheiber
Cognitive biases are shortcuts that our brains use to make decisions quickly and efficiently. These biases are often based on past experiences or cultural norms, and they can influence the way we perceive and interpret information. In many cases, cognitive biases can lead us to make decisions that are not necessarily in our best interest. One common cognitive bias is the confirmation bias, which is the tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms our preexisting beliefs. This bias can cause us to ignore or discount information that contradicts our beliefs, leading us to make decisions based on incomplete or inaccurate information. Another common cognitive bias is the availability heuristic, which is the tendency to rely on information that is readily available when making decisions. This bias can cause us to overestimate the likelihood of events that are more easily recalled, such as vivid or recent events, leading us to make decisions based on faulty assumptions. The anchoring bias is another cognitive bias that can influence decision-making. This bias occurs when we rely too heavily on the first piece of information we receive when making decisions. This initial piece of information, or anchor, can skew our subsequent judgments and lead us to make decisions that are not fully rational.- Cognitive biases can significantly impact the way we make decisions. By becoming aware of these biases and actively working to counteract them, we can make more informed and rational decisions in our daily lives. It is important to remember that our brains are not always as reliable as we may think, and being conscious of our cognitive biases can help us make better choices.
