COGNITIVE APPROACH - Cognitive Biases

12 important questions on COGNITIVE APPROACH - Cognitive Biases

What is the independent variable in the study?

  • The independent variable is the starting number in the multiplication problem.
    • Ascending condition: 1 × 2 × 3 × 4 × 5 × 6 × 7 × 8
    • Descending condition: 8 × 7 × 6 × 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1

What is the dependent variable in the study?

  • The dependent variable is the students’ estimate of the product.

What are the strengths of the research method described?

  • Highly controlled environment allows researchers to infer anchoring caused differences in estimates.
  • Uses the median, reducing the effect of outliers.
  • Provides clear evidence for the anchoring effect.
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What is a cognitive bias and what are its types?

A cognitive bias is a systematic error in thinking affecting decisions and judgments. It involves:
  • Bias thinking, Bias decision-making
  • Errors from unconscious biases
  • Mental Shortcuts (heuristics)
  • Quick decision-making
Types include:
  • Confirmation Bias
  • Anchoring Bias

What are the limitations of the research method described?

  • Low ecological validity due to artificial estimation in 5 seconds.
  • Independent samples design may affect results.
  • Math ability variance between groups.
  • Results may not generalize to real-life decision making.

What are the control variables in the study?

  • Same time limit: 5 seconds.
  • Same multiplication problem, just in different order.
  • Same general task for both groups.
  • Same age group of participants, roughly.

How does confirmation bias occur and what does it involve?

Confirmation Bias involves confirming information we know and believe, ignoring external information that contradicts our beliefs. It is explained by the dual process model.

Why do we use heuristics according to the document?

  • We are cognitive misers using heuristics for quick decisions.
  • Follow our first instinct, hence the anchoring number.
  • High cognitive load leads to System 1 thinking.

What was the aim of Tversky and Kahneman's 1974 study?

The aim was to investigate whether the first number seen acts as an anchor and influences people's estimates of a calculation.

What is the Primacy & Recency Effect as described?

  • First and last things are most memorable.
  • Middle parts are easily forgettable.

What type of research was conducted in Tversky and Kahneman's 1974 study?

The study was an experiment using an independent samples design and was a quantitative study.

What sampling method was used in Tversky and Kahneman's 1974 study?

High school students were used as participants. The sample appears to be an opportunity sample or a convenient school sample.

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