Cognitive bias is a common phenomenon that affects our decision-making processes. It refers to the systematic pattern of deviation from rationality in judgement, whereby individuals create their own “subjective” reality based on their perception of information rather than on objective reality. This can lead to errors in judgment, beliefs, and actions that are not in line with logic and reason.

There are many different types of cognitive bias, and they can have a significant impact on how we perceive and interpret information. Here are seven examples of cognitive bias that illustrate how our minds can deceive us:

1. Confirmation bias: This bias occurs when individuals seek out information that confirms their preexisting beliefs and ignore information that goes against them. This can lead to a distorted view of reality and prevent us from considering alternative viewpoints.

2. Anchoring bias: This bias occurs when individuals rely too heavily on the first piece of information they are given (the “anchor”) when making decisions. This can lead to errors in judgment as people fail to consider other relevant information.

3. Availability heuristic: This bias occurs when individuals make decisions based on how easily information comes to mind. This can lead to overestimating the likelihood of rare events and underestimating the likelihood of common events.

4. Overconfidence bias: This bias occurs when individuals overestimate their own abilities and knowledge. This can lead to poor decision-making and failure to consider alternative viewpoints.

5. Bandwagon effect: This bias occurs when individuals adopt a particular belief or behavior simply because it is popular or widely accepted. This can lead to the spread of misinformation and the perpetuation of false beliefs.

6. Hindsight bias: This bias occurs when individuals believe that an event was predictable after it has already occurred. This can lead to overconfidence in our ability to predict future events and can prevent us from learning from past mistakes.

7. Dunning-Kruger effect: This bias occurs when individuals with low ability at a task overestimate their ability, while individuals with high ability underestimate their ability. This can lead to a lack of self-awareness and an inability to accurately assess one’s own skills and knowledge.

These are just a few examples of the many different types of cognitive bias that can affect our decision-making processes. Being aware of these biases and actively working to counteract them can help us make more informed and rational decisions.

There are a number of resources available to help individuals learn more about cognitive bias and how to mitigate its effects. One such resource is the Codex of Cognitive Biases, which provides a comprehensive list of the many different types of cognitive bias that exist. By familiarizing oneself with these biases and actively working to counteract them, individuals can improve their decision-making processes and avoid falling victim to the pitfalls of cognitive bias.