Top 10 common biases of human belief

Stack of ideas and opinions pop into our minds but they create a filter between what we comprehend to be true and what actually exists. Without a proper architecture of our imagination and observation, our psychological biases would always overpower the general parameters of human belief. Go ahead and make an attempt to ‘catch’ yourself and moreover, avoid the dramatic anecdotes of skeptics.

10. Framing Effect:

This cognitive bias of human belief states that an option, represented in different forms can change the conclusion of an individual to opt it. Here, the word “different” connotes the presentation of an option in terms of gains which requires minimum cognitive effort. Talking practically, you deposited 1000 bucks for the membership of a club. According to some policy of the club, you’ll get back your 400 bucks after one week of joining. Now, this offer is presented in two different formats:

(A) – Join the club in only 1000 bucks and you’ll get back your 400 after one week.

(B) – Join the club in only 1000 bucks and after one week we’ll return you an amount after deducing 600 bucks.

Apparently, you will go for option “A” because it dwells in the gain frame.

9. Egocentric Effect:

It’s tendency of human to avoid the responsibility of failure and to take credit of success because we have an uncanny habit to experience our life via a self-centered filter. We have our own imaginary universe. In a joint action, people view their performance more salient than others. The spirit of who-did-how-much is perished and we tend to create our own illusion to defend our contribution. We lack the courage to look after our weak points. This statement can be justified by following illustration — If we get high marks in our examination then we feel proud to say everyone that I really worked hard but if we fail or get less marks then our accountability switches to the rotten pattern of examination.

8. Semmelweis Reflex:

Counted among one of the most common cognitive biases of human belief, Semmelweis Reflex is defined as the automatic rejection of new concepts, considering them as a contradiction over conventional norms. Here in this case, there arises a situation when innovation and ideas are surprisingly banned from germination. However, it is a matter of fact that later objections are answered satisfactorily.

7. Pareidolia:

This cognitive bias is a psychological phenomenon in which brain of a human interprets purposeful patterns. Understanding this condition with examples, whenever we gaze at clouds with full concentration, we can see some fanciful shapes of humans or animals. Moreover, we can listen a song or voice which is being played far away from from our physical location. Ironically, there exists nothing.

6. Halo Effect:

World follows this rule. This psychological tendency occurs when a specific characteristics of an individual propels various traits with the similar influence. Talking conveniently, there is a person “A” who is a notorious criminal but wants to change his job, change his soul. Now he is all set to do social-work with full dedication. But world knows that a criminal can’t ever do such type of humanistic job. His shadow of past will always trespass his new role in the eyes of world.

5. Gambler’s Fallacy:

Better known as the Monte Carlo Fallacy, this truism of probability states that people always predict future’s scenario on the basis of current state but future deviations can impact adversely on their anticipation. If you follow the policy of  ”I can’t quit now, my luck’s about to change,” then beware, because when the odd stuck, it suddenly vanishes your lucky patch.

4. Illusory Superiority:

One of the most freakishly bothering tendency of human belief, the Illusory Superiority occurs when people consider themselves far better and superior than others. According to a global research, about 90% of college students consider themselves to be intelligent than other students. This description is enough to justify that almost people possess the tendency to underestimate their negative qualities and overestimate the positive one.

3. Reactivity:

You are not what you are. This psychological bias of human belief germinates when your behavior is changed in the presence of others. It’ so because you thing you are being observed by other person and thus, prioritize your characteristics according to the environment. The change could be either positive or negative.

2. Status Quo Bias:

In this cognitive bias, you are stuck with ‘familiar’ and prefer things to stay same as they were earlier. Status Quo creates a comfort zone in your life which is inhabited by your same daily routine without no extra changes. The so far best explanation of this psychological state is that potential for gain is always underestimated and potential for loss is overrated. No doubt, this bias stop you from making courageous choices and later it becomes hard to break-out your restricted domain.

1. Just-World Hypothesis:

The world is just and people get what they deserve. By all accounts of this uncanny tendency of human belief, people are well-situated with this world and its whimsicality. People love to achieve consistency either by manipulating the reality or by modifying their own beliefs. This hypothesis focuses on the dark side of our society because when any evidence suggests that it’s the time to overrule the policy of ‘just’, people quickly restore the initial state. They lack the courage to look behind the curtain.