Cognitive Biases

Train yourself to spot when research or information comes from the same source or uses the same methods. Here’s how: - Check the source: Are multiple studies…

Train yourself to update your beliefs when presented with new evidence. Here’s how: - Pause and reflect: When you hear something new, ask yourself, “How does…

Learn to see objects and tools beyond their traditional uses. Here’s how: - Ask ‘What else?’: Look at an object and think of three ways to use it that are no…

Avoid over-relying on one tool or method. Train yourself to explore alternatives: - Ask ‘What’s missing?’: Think about other tools or methods that could help…

Train yourself to spot when you're overestimating the importance of random patterns or streaks. Here’s how: - Step back: Ask, “Is this pattern meaningful or …

Avoid assuming a relationship between unrelated events. Here’s how: - Ask for evidence: Before assuming a link, check if data supports the relationship. - Tr…

Pareidolia makes you see patterns where there are none. Train yourself to recognize when it’s happening: - Pause and analyze: When you spot a pattern in some…

Be aware of the tendency to view non-human phenomena through a human lens. Here’s how: - Pause and reflect: Ask, “Am I using human examples to explain someth…

Avoid assigning human emotions or traits to animals, objects, or concepts. Here’s how: - Question your assumptions: Ask, “Is this object/animal actually feel…

Shift your focus when recurring thoughts distort your perception. Here’s how: - Notice the pattern: Ask, “Am I only paying attention to things that match my …

Avoid assuming something is happening more often just because you’ve noticed it recently. Here’s how: - Pause before concluding: Ask, “Has this increased, or…

Train yourself to recognize when your brain makes quick assumptions based on word or idea associations. Here’s how: - Pause and check: Ask, “Am I reacting ba…

Avoid letting flashy or emotional details overshadow important but less noticeable facts. Here’s how: - Look beyond the obvious: Ask, “What’s not immediately…

Be mindful when choosing data or examples to avoid misrepresenting the whole picture. Here’s how: - Check your sample: Ask, “Is this data random and diverse,…

Train yourself to notice when you’re focusing only on successful outcomes and ignoring failures. Here’s how: - Ask about the missing data: Who or what didn’t…

Be mindful of how familiarity affects your time estimates. Here’s how: - Log travel times: Write down actual times for familiar and unfamiliar routes to comp…

Stay open to evidence that challenges your beliefs. Here’s how: - Pause and reflect: When new evidence feels threatening, take a moment to breathe and calm y…

Test your ideas by looking for disconfirming evidence. Here’s how: - Consider alternatives: Ask, “What other explanations could fit this situation?” - Test o…

Stay objective when analyzing outcomes. Here’s how: - Double-check results: Revisit your data or conclusions to ensure they’re free from personal bias. - Inv…

Train yourself to see the whole picture, not just what aligns with your expectations. Here’s how: - Check for blind spots: Ask, “What might I be missing?” - …

Be open to new ideas, even when they challenge old beliefs. Here’s how: - Question traditions: Ask, “Why do we do it this way? Could there be a better approa…

Challenge yourself to see biases in your own thinking, not just in others. Here’s how: - Flip the script: Ask, “If someone else thought this way, would I see…

Be cautious about assuming others agree with you. Here’s how: - Ask instead of assuming: Check in with others about their opinions before concluding they mat…

Recognize that you and your work are part of a larger system. Here’s how: - Compare fairly: Ask, “How similar is my project to others I’ve seen?” - Acknowled…

Learn to recognize vague or overly general statements. Here’s how: - Ask for specifics: If a description feels “too true,” ask, “What exactly do you mean?” -…

Challenge the belief that you understand others better than they understand you. Here’s how: - Ask instead of assuming: Engage in conversations to learn how …

Stop underestimating how long tasks will take. Here’s how: - Add buffer time: Whatever you think a task will take, add 50% more time. - Use past experience: …

Don’t overestimate your self-control. Here’s how: - Remove temptation: Make it harder to give in by keeping distractions or temptations out of reach. - Plan …

Stop seeing yourself as complex and others as predictable. Here’s how: - Practice empathy: Imagine how someone else’s day, mood, or challenges might influenc…

Be aware of how media affects you, not just others. Here’s how: - Reflect on impact: Ask, “How might this message shape my beliefs or actions?” - Fact-check …

Before jumping to conclusions, focus on the general information. Here’s how: - Check the base rate: Ask, “What do the overall statistics say?” - Pause before…

Practice compassion for groups, not just individuals. Here’s how: - Humanize the numbers: Imagine the faces behind statistics to connect emotionally. - Zoom …

Stick to the more general explanation. Here’s how: - Simplify scenarios: Ask, “Is this really more specific, or am I overcomplicating it?” - Compare probabil…

Focus on the quality of an experience, not just its duration. Here’s how: - Reflect on highlights: Ask, “What made this moment meaningful?” - Avoid obsessing…

Prioritize future gains over instant gratification. Here’s how: - Visualize future benefits: Imagine how your future self will thank you. - Delay small rewar…

Challenge the assumption of intent behind events. Here’s how: - Pause and think: Ask, “Could this be random or accidental instead of intentional?” - Look for…

Avoid over-relying on automation. Here’s how: - Verify output: Check if automated results align with your expectations or data. - Stay informed: Learn how th…

Actively question gender stereotypes. Here’s how: - Notice biases: Be aware of assumptions you make based on gender. - Think beyond roles: Focus on skills an…

Avoid jumping to conclusions about interest. Here’s how: - Observe behavior: Look for clear, consistent signals before making assumptions. - Ask directly: If…

Move beyond group-based assumptions. Here’s how: - Gather facts: Get to know the person instead of relying on stereotypes. - Question your bias: Ask, “Am I a…

Avoid overspending by reframing small amounts. Here’s how: - Think in totals: Ask, “How much will this add up to?” - Group small spends: View multiple small …

Evaluate options individually to reduce unnecessary distinctions. Here’s how: - Look at them one by one: Avoid comparing them side-by-side. - Focus on your p…

Use all relevant knowledge across fields. Here’s how: - Pull from different domains: Think about how skills or insights from one area apply to another. - Ask…

Always factor in the human or situational context. Here’s how: - Ask about the ‘why’: What’s the situation behind this problem? - Step into their shoes: Cons…

Be cautious when interpreting data based on conditions. Here’s how: - Ask about the sample: Is the group you’re studying representative of the whole? - Under…

Don’t let past investments trap you into bad decisions. Here’s how: - Pause and evaluate: Ask, “If I hadn’t already invested, would I still continue?” - Set …

Knowing about biases doesn’t automatically protect you. Here’s how to act: - Practice self-awareness: Regularly check if biases might be influencing you. - G…

Avoid assuming past events change future probabilities. Here’s how: - Understand randomness: Each event is independent unless proven otherwise. - Focus on ac…

When making a decision, don’t shy away from unknown probabilities. Here’s how to approach it: - Gather information: Reduce ambiguity by learning more about y…

Challenge yourself to see things objectively. Try this: - Ask yourself: “If I didn’t own this, how much would I pay for it?” - Get outside opinions: Others m…

Reframe losses to focus on long-term gains. Steps: - Shift your mindset: Ask, “What could I gain by letting this go?” - Run the numbers: Focus on data, not e…

Step outside your comfort zone by questioning the default: - Ask why: “Why do I stick with this option? Is it really the best?” - Experiment: Try a small cha…

Challenge ingrained systems by thinking critically: - List pros and cons: What works and what doesn’t in the current system? - Imagine alternatives: What wou…

Challenge default settings. Here’s how: - Ask why: Consider if the default choice is actually best for you. - Explore alternatives: Take time to review all a…

Identify if a "decoy" option is influencing your choice. Here’s how: - Spot the odd one out: Look for an option that seems unnecessary or inferior. - Ask why…

Notice when comparisons are influencing your decisions. Here’s how: - Pause before deciding: Ask, “Would this still feel the same without the comparison?” - …

When you're feeling overly confident in your abilities: - Ask for feedback: Seek opinions from others who have more experience. - Compare to standards: Look …

Plan for decisions when your emotions are neutral: - Pause before reacting: Delay decisions when you’re feeling overly emotional. - Simulate the other state:…

Be realistic about task difficulty: - Set milestones: Break hard tasks into smaller, achievable steps. - Reassess easy tasks: Don’t rush through just because…

Challenge your understanding of a topic: - Explain it to someone else: Can you simplify it without skipping details? - Ask “why” and “how”: Push yourself to …

Combat feelings of fraudulence: - Keep an achievement log: Record successes, no matter how small. - Reframe thoughts: Replace "I was just lucky" with "I work…

Stay aware of your own subjectivity: - Ask for outside input: Get diverse opinions to challenge your perspective. - Play devil’s advocate: Argue against your…

When evaluating arguments: - Focus on logic: Ask, "Does this follow from the premises?" instead of, "Do I agree with the conclusion?" - Separate belief from …

Be wary of repeated statements: - Fact-check: Look up evidence for claims you’ve heard multiple times. - Question familiarity: Ask, "Do I believe this becaus…

Be cautious with rhyming phrases: - Analyze content: Ask, "Does the rhyme add anything logical, or is it just catchy?" - Test alternatives: Rephrase the stat…

Challenge statements you want to believe: - Find counterexamples: Look for cases where the statement doesn’t apply. - Separate desire from reality: Ask, "Do …

When faced with a problem: - Ask first: "Is action really necessary, or is waiting better?" - Consider the outcomes: Think about what happens if you do nothi…

When solving a problem: - Ask yourself: "Can something be removed to improve the situation?" - List things to subtract: Write down what’s unnecessary before …

When making a quick judgment: - Ask yourself: "Am I replacing a complex decision with an easy shortcut?" - Check for oversimplification: Write down what fact…

When explaining something: - Ask yourself: "How would I explain this to someone totally new?" - Use examples: Relate concepts to simple, everyday scenarios. …

When thinking about the past and future: - Challenge nostalgia: Ask, "Was the past really better, or is this selective memory?" - Find future positives: List…

When planning for the future: - Acknowledge change: Remind yourself, "I will grow and change in ways I can’t predict." - Set flexible goals: Make plans that …

When you catch yourself expecting extreme outcomes: - Pause and evaluate: Ask, "Is this prediction realistic, or am I expecting the worst (or best) case scen…

When using or observing tech: - Ask yourself: "Am I assuming this tool can do something just because of how it looks?" - Test its functions: Spend time under…

When someone shares their pain: - Pause judgments: Avoid assuming they’re exaggerating. - Reflect on your experience: Remember times when your pain felt real…

Track your income and satisfaction: - Log actual earnings: Write down your wages regularly to avoid over- or underestimating. - Note your satisfaction: Refle…

When reviewing past events: - Ask yourself: "Did I really know this beforehand, or is it hindsight talking?" - Write down predictions: Track what you think w…

Next time you feel drawn to something familiar: - Pause and reflect: Ask yourself, "Do I like this because it’s better, or just because it’s familiar?" - Try…

When avoiding a decision: - List pros and cons: Write down potential harm from acting versus not acting. - Ask yourself: "Am I avoiding action because it fee…

When planning or predicting: - Check past outcomes: How often have things gone as perfectly as you imagined? - Prepare for setbacks: Ask, "What could go wron…

When you’re tempted to ignore an issue: - Ask yourself: "What’s the worst that could happen if I address this now?" - Take a small step: Do one action to sta…

When evaluating a past choice: - Ask yourself: "Did I make the best decision with the info I had at the time?" - Separate outcomes from process: Focus on how…

When expecting the worst: - Look for evidence: Ask, "What facts support this prediction, and what contradicts it?" - Test your assumption: Take a small actio…

When tempted by immediate rewards: - Pause: Ask yourself, "What will this choice feel like in a week?" - Compare payoffs: Imagine both short- and long-term b…

When outside or in a natural setting: - Pause and observe: Look for plants around you—trees, flowers, even weeds. - Ask questions: What purpose do they serve…

When faced with a risk: - Compare effectiveness: Ask, "Is prevention or response better suited for this situation?" - Estimate cost: Look at resources needed…

When making decisions with probabilities: - Stick to the best choice: Pick the option with the highest likelihood of success, even if it feels repetitive. - …

When considering a new innovation: - Ask tough questions: What are its weaknesses? Who benefits most from it? - Balance optimism: Imagine both best- and wors…

When making future plans: - Pause: Ask, "Will future me feel the same way?" - Imagine different scenarios: Consider how changes in mood, priorities, or envir…

When faced with a big event: - Ask yourself: "Is there solid evidence for a big cause, or am I assuming it because the event is large?" - Break it down: Look…

When noticing a "new" trend: - Research its history: Check if this has actually been around for a while. - Ask others: See if someone older or more experienc…

When safety increases: - Assess risks: Ask, "Am I compensating for safety by taking unnecessary risks?" - Set boundaries: Stick to cautious habits even in sa…

When working with metrics: - Ask yourself: "Is this measure representing the actual goal, or has it become the goal?" - Revisit the strategy: Ensure you unde…

When noticing a purpose in random events: - Ask yourself: "Is there any actual evidence of intention or design here?" - Consider randomness: Some things happ…

When predicting trends: - Ask yourself: "Could there be sudden changes or breaks in this trend?" - Prepare for shifts: Always consider outliers and unexpecte…

When interacting or making decisions: - Pause and reflect: "Am I acting on assumptions based on someone’s background or appearance?" - Seek diverse input: Su…

When consuming (e.g., food, resources): - Ask yourself: "Do I really need this much, or am I just following the default?" - Adjust portions: Take only what’s…

When using numerical data: - Ask yourself: "Does this data apply to this specific situation?" - Double-check assumptions: Ensure the numbers make sense in th…

When considering an opinion or advice: - Ask yourself: "Am I agreeing because of the person or because of the evidence?" - Check the facts: Verify the inform…

When evaluating a group: - Pause and observe: "Am I judging individuals or the group as a whole?" - Focus on specifics: Look at individual contributions or q…

When forming an impression: - Ask yourself: "Am I judging based on one good trait or the full picture?" - Challenge assumptions: Notice if a positive quality…

When judging behavior: - For others: Ask, "What situations might have influenced their actions?" - For yourself: Reflect, "How much of this is about my choic…

When assigning blame: - Pause: Ask, "Am I blaming more because the outcome was worse?" - Separate outcome from intent: Focus on actions, not just consequence…

When evaluating motivation: - For others: Ask, "Could their actions come from genuine interest, not just external rewards?" - For yourself: Reflect, "Are my …

When analyzing behavior: - Ask for others: "What situations might have influenced their actions?" - Ask for yourself: "Am I underestimating my own tendencies…

When judging groups: - Challenge assumptions: Ask, "Does this apply to all members, or just one person?" - Seek evidence: Look for facts about the group, not…

When interpreting behavior: - Pause: Ask yourself, "Could this be unintentional or neutral?" - Clarify: If unsure, communicate and seek their perspective. - …

When evaluating actions: - Ask: "Could this have been an accident or unintentional?" - Look for patterns: One mistake doesn’t indicate intent—watch for repea…

When analyzing injustice: - Ask: "Is this outcome truly deserved, or am I rationalizing it?" - Empathize: Consider factors outside the victim’s control. - Ac…

When assessing morality: - Focus on intent: Ask, "What was their intention, regardless of the outcome?" - Separate luck from action: Consider how chance infl…

When assessing outcomes: - Pause: Ask yourself, "Could societal factors have contributed here?" - Contextualize: Consider external influences like environmen…

When reflecting on outcomes: - Be honest: Ask, "What role did I really play in this success or failure?" - Balance: Acknowledge both personal effort and exte…

When evaluating groups: - Ask yourself: "Am I judging the group based on one person’s actions?" - Separate individuals: Focus on specific behaviors or contri…

When you hear something repeated: - Ask: "Is this backed by evidence or just popular belief?" - Research: Find original sources and verify the information. -…

When considering a popular opinion: - Pause: Ask yourself, "Do I agree because it’s popular or because it’s right?" - Analyze: Break down the reasoning behin…

When asked for your opinion: - Be truthful: Share your real thoughts respectfully. - Use tact: Frame criticism constructively ("I think this could be improve…

In group discussions: - Ask questions: "Have we considered other perspectives?" - Encourage dissent: Create a safe space for alternative viewpoints. - Pause …

When someone shares information: - Ask for clarity: "Where did you hear this?" or "What’s the source?" - Cross-check: Verify their claims with other evidence…

When evaluating external ideas: - Ask: "Is this idea or product effective, regardless of where it came from?" - Compare: Assess its potential objectively aga…

When thinking about other groups: - Pause assumptions: Ask yourself, "Am I generalizing based on the group?" - Get personal: Interact with individuals from t…

When interacting with others: - Ask: "What’s unique about this person’s perspective or experience?" - Listen actively: Avoid projecting your own traits or be…

To harness the Pygmalion Effect: - Encourage: Set realistic but optimistic expectations for others. - Support: Provide feedback and resources to help them su…

When facing reactance: - Reframe requests: Offer choices instead of commands to reduce resistance. - Empathize: Understand the other person’s need for autono…

In group discussions: - Encourage: Ask each member to share unique perspectives or information. - Facilitate: Guide the conversation to ensure unshared insig…

When you think you’ve had a novel idea: - Pause and reflect: Ask, “Have I encountered this idea before?” - Check sources: Revisit books, articles, or convers…

To avoid false memories: - Validate facts: Check with others involved or revisit records (emails, photos, notes). - Stay neutral: Avoid over-analyzing or try…

To avoid forgetting the origins of social changes: - Research history: Understand the people and movements behind societal shifts. - Acknowledge contributors…

To avoid source confusion: - Keep a log: Note where you heard or read key ideas. - Cross-reference: Before sharing information, double-check its accuracy and…

To resist suggestibility: - Slow down: Reflect before accepting others’ suggestions as true. - Seek evidence: Verify claims rather than relying on someone’s …

When making decisions: - Pause and expand: Actively look for examples beyond the most recent or visible ones. - Balance sources: Include diverse or older sou…

To remember something: - Make it weird: Add something bizarre or unusual to the idea or fact. - Visualize it vividly: Picture the bizarre element as vividly …

When recalling visuals: - Focus on details: Try to actively recall both the foreground and the background. - Verify: Revisit the original image or scene to c…

To recall early memories: - Use triggers: Look at photos or listen to music from your early years. - Ask family: Talk to relatives about events you may have …

After making a decision: - Be honest: Reflect on whether your choice truly delivered the results you hoped for. - Compare alternatives: Consider how other op…

When evaluating information: - Seek opposing views: Actively search for evidence that challenges your beliefs. - Ask questions: “What would change my mind ab…

When recalling or estimating: - Use actual data: Base your judgment on numbers or facts rather than instinct. - Check extremes: Ask if you’re underestimating…

When reflecting on your past: - Write it down: Keep a journal of key events and your thoughts at the time. - Ask others: Check your memories against those wh…

When dealing with misinformation: - Fact-check: Verify the source of any information before accepting it. - Mentally replace: Once corrected, actively focus …

To retrieve memories: - Recreate the setting: Recall the sights, sounds, and smells of the original context. - Use prompts: Bring objects or tools from the o…

When meeting new people: - Focus on details: Pay attention to unique features, like hairstyle, clothing, or mannerisms. - Make connections: Associate the per…

When recalling events: - Use evidence: Look at photos, reports, or other objective records of what happened. - Ask others: Gather perspectives from those who…

When reflecting on past events: - List the facts: Write down both positive and negative aspects of the memory. - Get perspective: Talk to others who shared t…

To stay balanced: - Acknowledge both sides: Write about unpleasant memories alongside the positive ones. - Reflect intentionally: Spend time thinking about w…

To remember better: - Create your own notes: Instead of copying, rephrase in your own words. - Teach someone else: Explaining ideas reinforces your understan…

To reduce dependency on search engines: - Write things down: Jot key facts in a notebook or app. - Memorize essentials: Focus on learning critical knowledge …

When reviewing past events: - List surprises: Note things that were unexpected at the time. - Avoid ‘should haves’: Focus on decisions made with the informat…

To remember better: - Add humor: When studying or taking notes, include a funny phrase, drawing, or analogy. - Lighten the mood: Associate dry facts with jok…

To avoid false connections: - Look for patterns: Ask yourself, “Is this really connected, or just a coincidence?” - Seek evidence: Check if there’s actual da…

To stay sharp: - Double-check: Look up facts you think you "just know." - Ask questions: Challenge statements that feel familiar but unverified. - Don’t repe…

To boost retention: - Spread it out: Review material in smaller sessions over days instead of cramming. - Schedule reviews: Create a spaced repetition plan. …

To keep memories accurate: - Write details down: Capture events as soon as possible to avoid losing information. - Check for gaps: Ask yourself what might be…

To remember more effectively: - Think deeply: Relate new info to something personal or meaningful. - Visualize: Picture concepts or create mental stories abo…

To handle long lists: - Chunk it: Break the list into smaller groups of 3–5 items. - Prioritize: Focus on the most important items first. - Use categories: G…

To retrieve all items: - Rotate focus: Review all parts of a list instead of sticking to the first items. - Use triggers: Write down clues to jog your memory…

To protect memory: - Verify info: Check facts before trusting new details about an event. - Write it down: Record key facts right after an event to lock them…

To remember better: - Listen and repeat: Say key points aloud after hearing them. - Mix modalities: Write down spoken info or speak aloud written notes. - Re…

To align mood and memory: - Match your mood: Study happy topics when you’re in a good mood; tackle tough topics when feeling serious. - Recreate the setting:…

To manage negative recall: - List positives: After a bad experience, write down at least 3 positive things that happened that day. - Reframe events: Find the…

To stay sharp: - Take notes: Write down key points from the person speaking before you. - Breathe and listen: Avoid rehearsing your own response while someon…

To remember all items: - Avoid splitting lists: Keep the whole list in view when reviewing. - Use categories: Organize items into groups to make them easier …

To create great memories: - Finish strong: End tasks or experiences with something positive. - Celebrate small wins: After completing a tough task, reward yo…

To improve memory: - Use visuals: Add images to your notes or presentations. - Sketch ideas: Draw simple visuals to represent complex concepts. - Pair pictur…

To stay positive: - Recall wins: Write down 3 good things that happened each day. - Reframe negatives: Think about what you learned from a tough situation. -…

To reduce stereotypical bias: - Pause and question: Before making assumptions, ask yourself, “What evidence do I have?” - Focus on individuals: Get to know p…

To remember lists better: - End strong: Avoid adding unnecessary items after a list is completed. - Use pauses: Take a brief moment of silence after hearing …

To improve judgment: - Break it down: Divide events into clear, mutually exclusive parts. - Add them up: Compare individual probabilities to the total likeli…

To manage time perception: - Practice calmness: Breathe deeply to slow things down when you feel rushed. - Focus intently: In critical moments, focus on one …

To fix time distortions: - Use anchors: Connect events to specific dates or milestones. - Journal regularly: Write down events as they happen to track their …

To recall better: - Test yourself often: After reading, close the book and write down what you remember. - Use flashcards: Create questions for key points an…

To unblock stuck memories: - Relax: Take deep breaths and stop stressing over the word or idea. - Use hints: Think of related words, phrases, or contexts. - …

To avoid overestimating the present: - Zoom out: Ask, “Will this matter in a year? Five years?” - Review the past: Compare this moment to similar past events…

To retain the message: - Summarize: Write or say the main idea in your own words. - Look for patterns: Identify recurring themes or key points. - Practice co…

To remember better: - Highlight differently: Use bold colors or symbols for key points. - Add uniqueness: Attach a quirky story or image to important details…

To harness focus: - Start small: Begin a task, even if you can’t finish it right away. - Use checkpoints: Pause at natural stopping points to keep motivation…