Lesson 1: Introduction & Fundamentals
Objective: Define cognitive biases and understand the foundational concepts.
Content:
– Definition: Cognitive biases are systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment, where individuals create their own “subjective reality” from their perception of the input.
– Video Resource: [12 Cognitive Biases Explained – How to Think Better and More Logically Removing Bias](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEwGBIr_RIw)
– Article Resource: [The Cognitive Illusions: How Your Brain Shapes Reality](owenfitzpatrick.com/blog/the-cognitive-illusions-how-your-brain-shapes-reality/)
Key Takeaways:
– Cognitive biases affect decision-making and perception.
– Recognizing biases can improve critical thinking and decision-making.
Activity: Reflect on a recent decision you made. Identify any cognitive biases that may have influenced your decision. Write a short paragraph about this experience.
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Lesson 2: Practical Application & Techniques
Objective: Explore real-world examples and apply techniques to counteract cognitive biases.
Content:
– Real-world Use Cases: Learn about how cognitive biases can influence financial decisions, like overspending (refer to [The trick that makes you overspend](www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20190801-the-trick-that-makes-you-overspend)).
– Practical Techniques: Strategies to overcome biases, such as questioning initial impressions and seeking diverse perspectives.
– Video Resource: [How your Brain Tricks you: Cognitive Biases of Perception](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hcm_xIYDhgM)
Key Takeaways:
– Awareness and questioning of initial assumptions can mitigate biases.
– Real-life application of these strategies can improve decision-making and outcomes.
Activity: Spend a day noting instances when cognitive biases affect your everyday decisions—record one example and list the techniques you used or could have used to overcome these biases.
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Lesson 3: Advanced Insights & Mastery
Objective: Deepen understanding with expert-level insights and learn best practices for mastering cognitive bias awareness.
Content:
– Advanced Insights: Study anchoring bias and its effect on significant decision-making ([Read More](medium.com/illumination/anchoring-bias-how-your-mind-tricks-you-into-wrong-decisions-c60b1ef8728e)).
– Best Practices: Cultivate habits of regularly seeking feedback and challenging existing beliefs.
– Video Resource: [Cognitive Biases: How Your Brain Tricks You | Psychology of Decision-Making](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqYLbnK8ELo)
Key Takeaways:
– Advanced understanding of specific biases like anchoring can improve decision-making.
– Developing conscious practices can shift bias awareness from a reactive to a proactive approach.
Activity: Create a mind map of different cognitive biases you’ve learned, illustrating how they interconnect. Add strategies for overcoming each bias as sub-branches.
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Comprehensive Test:
1. Question: What is a cognitive bias?
– A) A logical fallacy
– B) A systematic error in thinking
– C) A psychological disorder
– D) A type of scientific method
– Answer: B) A systematic error in thinking
2. Question: Which technique can help overcome cognitive biases?
– A) Ignoring diverse perspectives
– B) Relying on initial impressions
– C) Questioning initial assumptions
– D) Avoiding feedback
– Answer: C) Questioning initial assumptions
3. Question: What is an example of cognitive bias affecting financial decisions?
– A) Deciding to exercise
– B) Choosing a vacation spot
– C) Overspending
– D) Preparing a meal
– Answer: C) Overspending
4. Question: What is the anchoring effect?
– A) Ignoring new information
– B) Overemphasizing the first piece of information seen
– C) Making random decisions
– D) Focusing only on negative feedback
– Answer: B) Overemphasizing the first piece of information seen
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Category: Psychology & Human Behavior
