Navigating The Mind: Understanding Cognitive Biases In Decision-making

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Part 1 of a 4-Part Series on Cognitive Biases

In the complex terrain of our minds, cognitive biases are mental shortcuts or distortions that influence how we perceive and interpret the world. They are systematic patterns of deviation from objective logic- meaning our thoughts often lead us away from rational decision making. These internal filters shape what we notice, how we remember, and ultimately, what we choose to do.

Why does Decision-making matter?

Whether it’s deciding what to eat for dinner or making life-changing career moves, decision-making is a core part of our daily existence. Our judgments impact not only ourselves but also our relationships, workspaces, and communities. Understanding how we make decisions- and how those decisions might be flawed is essential for anyone striving to lead a thoughtful and intentional life.

Common Types of Cognitive Biases:

Let’s explore a few biases that subtly influence us everyday:

Confirmation Bias: This bias occurs when we focus only on information that supports our existing beliefs. For example, someone who believes that a certain ...
... diet is the best may only read articles that reinforce that belief and ignore studies that say otherwise.
Anchoring Bias: The first piece of information we receive tends to disproportionately influence our decisions. For instance, if the first car you see at a dealership cost Rs.10 Lakhs, the rest will seem cheaper even if they are not affordable.
Availability Heuristic: Our minds rely on readily available memories or recent events. After watching a series of news stories about airplane crashes, you might overestimate the danger of flying.
Overconfidence Bias: This is when we overestimate our abilities or knowledge. A classic example is taking a test without studying because you “just know” the material-only to be surprised by the results.
Status Quo Bias: People often prefer to stick with what they know. Even when better options exist, we resist change because its uncomfortable or unfamiliar.
How Biases shape our perception:

Selective Attention- Biases determine what we choose to focus on. For instance, someone with a negative body image may only notice unflattering photos of themselves, disregarding the good ones.
Memory Distortion- Our minds can twist past events. We might remember an argument as more intense than it was, reinforcing our emotional response.
Pattern Recognition- Sometimes, we see patterns that aren’t there like assuming two unrelated events are connected. This can affect everything from personal relationships to financial decisions.
Could you be affected by Bias?

Absolutely. If you have ever:

Dismissed options that differ from yours,
Blamed others for failures but credited yourself for success,
Thought you knew everything after a quick read online,
Then you have experienced cognitive bias. And you are not alone- this is a universal human experience.

As psychologist Dr. David Susman notes, “One of the biggest challenges regarding cognitive biases is that it’s often hard to recognise our own”.

Next Steps:

This blog is just the beginning. In the upcoming parts of this 4 part series, we will dive deeper into how cognitive biases affect relationships, work decisions, and emotional well being and explore ways to overcome them. If you are curious about your own thinking patterns or want to build healthier decision-making habits, therapy can help. At ImPerfect Psychotherapy(https://imperfect.co.in/), we work with individuals to explore their inner worlds, untangle cognitive biases and make more empowered choices. If your mind is the lens through which you view the world- how clean is the lens you are looking through?

Read More: The Hidden Influencers: How Cognitive Biases Shape Our Decisions(https://imperfect.co.in/cognitive-biases-shape-our-decisions/)

By Urveez Kakalia and Krupa Abraham