Cognitive biases are mental shortcuts that can lead us to form stereotypes. Stereotypes are general ideas we have about groups of people, and they can cause unfair treatment of others, known as prejudice and discrimination. Here are some important biases to understand:
Confirmation Bias: This is when people look for information that matches what they already believe about a group. They often ignore facts that don’t fit. For example, studies show that more than 70% of people remember examples that support their stereotypes instead of those that don’t.
In-group Bias: People tend to favor their own group. This can lead them to think negatively about those who are different from them. Research shows that people are 50% more likely to see members of their group as capable compared to those from other groups.
Fundamental Attribution Error: This bias happens when we think someone's behavior is because of who they are, rather than the situation they are in. For example, 64% of people blame the bad actions of minority groups on their character, not their circumstances.
Availability Heuristic: The way media talks about people can change how we see them. Studies show that when people are exposed to crime-related stories about certain groups, they start to believe that these groups are more likely to commit crimes—sometimes by as much as 25%.
Understanding these cognitive biases helps us see how stereotypes are created and why they continue to exist, leading to unfair treatment in society.
Cognitive biases are mental shortcuts that can lead us to form stereotypes. Stereotypes are general ideas we have about groups of people, and they can cause unfair treatment of others, known as prejudice and discrimination. Here are some important biases to understand:
Confirmation Bias: This is when people look for information that matches what they already believe about a group. They often ignore facts that don’t fit. For example, studies show that more than 70% of people remember examples that support their stereotypes instead of those that don’t.
In-group Bias: People tend to favor their own group. This can lead them to think negatively about those who are different from them. Research shows that people are 50% more likely to see members of their group as capable compared to those from other groups.
Fundamental Attribution Error: This bias happens when we think someone's behavior is because of who they are, rather than the situation they are in. For example, 64% of people blame the bad actions of minority groups on their character, not their circumstances.
Availability Heuristic: The way media talks about people can change how we see them. Studies show that when people are exposed to crime-related stories about certain groups, they start to believe that these groups are more likely to commit crimes—sometimes by as much as 25%.
Understanding these cognitive biases helps us see how stereotypes are created and why they continue to exist, leading to unfair treatment in society.