Cognitive Biases and Their Influence on Critical Thinking and Scientific Reasoning: A Practical Guide for Students and Teachers

64 Pages Posted: 26 Apr 2017 Last revised: 23 Jul 2023

See all articles by Hershey H. Friedman

Hershey H. Friedman

Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Date Written: July 21, 2023

Abstract

It is clear that people do not always behave in a rational manner. Sometimes they are presented with too much information or they may want to make a quick decision. This may cause them to rely on cognitive shortcuts known as heuristics (rules of thumb). These cognitive shortcuts often result in cognitive biases; at least 175 cognitive biases have been identified by researchers. This paper describes many of these biases starting with actor-observer bias and ending with zero-risk bias. It also describes how one can overcome them and thereby become a more rational decision maker.

Keywords: rational man, cognitive biases, heuristics, anchoring bias, focusing illusion, happiness, availability bias, confirmation bias, neglect of probability bias, overconfidence bias

JEL Classification: A20, C44, D70, D81, G11

Suggested Citation

Friedman, Hershey H., Cognitive Biases and Their Influence on Critical Thinking and Scientific Reasoning: A Practical Guide for Students and Teachers (July 21, 2023). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2958800 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2958800

Hershey H. Friedman (Contact Author)

Brooklyn College of the City University of New York ( email )

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