What is Social Comparison Bias? Social Comparison Bias, also known as social comparison theory or social identity theory, is a cognitive bias that affects how we perceive ourselves and others. It refers to our tendency to evaluate our own lives, achievements, and possessions by comparing them to those of others. This comparison can be with […]
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 […]