Cognitive biases and psychological traps can deceive even the most intelligent and empathic people, preventing them from having a complete understanding of other people.
In actuality, our tendency to misjudge behaviour in relation to others is more or less programmed. The most alarming aspect of these cognitive biases is that most of them affect us without our knowledge.
You will be able to strengthen your arguments, predict responses, and forge stronger bonds with others if you comprehend the underlying principles of these cognitive biases and how they affect both individuals and groups.
Even if the choice we make is not the best, when we choose something or someone, like a boyfriend or girlfriend, we tend to be positive about that person.
For instance, you might find other dogs stupid because they aren't yours and think your dog is awesome despite the fact that it occasionally bites people.
We are blind to the threats and violence we might face when we think the world is better than it actually is. We are weak because we cannot accept the harsh reality of human nature.
when individuals who are in one mental state are unable to comprehend those who are in another mental state. If you're happy, it's hard to understand why other people are upset. Similarly, you cannot comprehend how you behave when you are excited if you are not in an excited state.
when you explain a person's actions by a fundamental aspect of who they are rather than by the circumstances in which they find themselves.
For instance, you might assume your coworker is angry when in fact she is just upset from having stubbed her toe.
when we take one characteristic of a person or thing and link it to all of their other characteristics.
This explains why we frequently assume that people who are attractive are also decent.
People in our group are given more credit than those in other groups. One cognitive bias that aids in understanding the causes of prejudice and discrimination is this one.
Unfortunately, research has shown that our preference for members of our social group is not always conscious of us.
when educated people have trouble comprehending common people. For instance, in "The Big Bang Theory" on television. Sheldon Cooper, a scientist, finds it challenging to comprehend Penny, a waitress who lives next door.
Pessimists overestimate the negative effects of their own and other people's actions, which is the opposite of the overoptimism bias. For instance, pessimism is more likely to have an impact on depressed individuals.
It has to do with wanting to go against what someone is asking us to do in order to demonstrate our freedom of choice.
According to a study, people were more likely to damage a wall when they were confronted with a sign that read, "Do not write on this wall under any circumstances," as opposed to one that said, "Do not write on this wall if please." This response can be attributed in part to the fact that the first sign was viewed as posing a greater risk to their freedom.
belief that, even when it is not in our best interests, fairness should take precedence over other values.
The reciprocity principle, which we learn early on, has an impact on all kinds of interactions. According to a study, diners tip more when a waiter shows them favour in a restaurant. Most likely because the client feels obliged to repay the favour.