Cognitive Biases: Reactive Devaluation

What is Reactive Devaluation? Reactive devaluation refers to a cognitive bias where individuals tend to mentally devalue, discount, or derogate something they desire but cannot possess or achieve. This phenomenon occurs as a defense mechanism to mitigate the discomfort and frustration associated with unattainable goals or desires. History of Reactive Devaluation Theory The concept of […]

Cognitive Biases: Reactance

What is Reactance? Reactance is a motivational state characterized by a negative emotional response to perceived restrictions, limits, or external influences on one’s behavior. This reaction can manifest as resistance, defiance, or even aggression towards the source of constraint. History of Reactance Theory The concept of reactance was first introduced in 1966 by psychologist Jack […]

Cognitive Biases: Pygmalion Effect

What is the Pygmalion Effect? The Pygmalion Effect, also known as the Rosenthal Effect or Interpersonal Expectancy Effect, refers to the tendency for people to perform better when they are expected to do so by others, particularly those in positions of authority. This means that individuals tend to live up to (or down to) the […]

Cognitive Biases: Outgroup Favoritism

What is Outgroup Favoritism? Outgroup Favoritism (OF) refers to the tendency for individuals to exhibit more positive attitudes, behaviors, and preferences towards outgroups than ingroups, particularly when it comes to moral or social issues. This means that people tend to show greater favoritism and admiration towards groups they don’t belong to, often at the expense […]

Cognitive Biases: Assumed Similarity Bias

What is Assumed Similarity Bias? Assumed Similarity Bias (ASB) refers to the tendency for individuals to overestimate the degree to which others share their own thoughts, feelings, and attitudes. This means that people tend to assume that others are more similar to themselves than they actually are. History of Assumed Similarity Bias The concept of […]

Cognitive Biases: Outgroup Homogeneity Bias

What is Outgroup Homogeneity Bias? Outgroup Homogeneity Bias (OHB) refers to the tendency for individuals to perceive outgroups (groups they don’t belong to) as being more homogeneous, or similar, than ingroups (groups they do belong to). This means that people tend to overestimate the similarity among members of an outgroup and underestimate the diversity within […]

Cognitive Biases: Truth Bias

What is Truth Bias? Truth Bias, also known as the “illusion of truth” or “repetition-induced truth,” refers to the tendency for people to perceive false or unverified information as true after repeated exposure to it. This phenomenon occurs because our brains tend to process familiar information more easily and associate it with a higher level […]

Cognitive Biases: Social Desirability Bias

What is Social Desirability Bias? Social Desirability Bias (SDB) refers to the tendency for individuals to provide answers or behave in a manner that they believe will be viewed favorably by others, rather than responding truthfully or authentically. This bias can manifest in various ways, including: History of Social Desirability Bias The concept of Social […]

Cognitive Biases: GroupShift

What is Groupshift? Groupshift, also known as the Group Polarization Phenomenon or Attitude Shift, refers to the tendency for individuals within a group to shift their attitudes and opinions towards more extreme positions after engaging in group discussions. This phenomenon occurs when group members interact with each other, share information, and influence one another’s thoughts […]

Cognitive Biases: GroupThink

What is Groupthink? Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon where a group of individuals, motivated by the desirefor unanimity and the avoidance of conflict, make irrational or poor decisions. This occurs whengroup members value consensus over critical thinking, leading to a lack of diverse perspectivesand alternative solutions. History of Groupthink The concept of Groupthink was first […]