A cognitive bias is defined as a pattern of thinking that deviates from norm or rationality in judgment. Inferences about other people and situations are often woven in an illogical fashion, and individuals can create their own "subjective reality" from their respective perceptions.
Got that? Okay.
Let's take a look at 10 of the most common examples of cognitive bias found in modern humans.
Believing or doing something because people around you believe or do it
Overestimating the importance of information that is easiest to recall
Unskilled individuals overestimating their abilities and experts underestimating theirs
Drawing different conclusions from the same information presented differently
Seeking and prioritising information that confirms your existing beliefs
Curse of Knowledge
Struggling to see a problem from the perspective of someone with less knowledge than you
The desire to do the opposite of what is requested or advised, due to a perceived threat to freedom of choice
The Sunk Cost Fallacy
Refusing to abandon something unrewarding because you’ve already invested in it
Believing that you could have predicted an event after it has occurred
Excessively focusing on the first piece of information you receive when making a decision
It's easy to fall into the pitfalls of cognitive biases - we all do it. Being conscious of your motivations makes these traps easier to spot and avoid. Next time you’re unsure, think carefully about the evidence and be ready to challenge your own reasoning.
Source: Towergate Insurance