3. What Is Cognitive Bias?
A cognitive bias is a systematic error in thinking that
occurs when people are processing and interpreting
information in the world around them and affects the
decisions and judgments that they make.
The human brain is powerful but subject to
limitations. Cognitive biases are often a result of your
brain's attempt to simplify information processing.
Biases often work as rules of thumb that help you
make sense of the world and reach decisions with
relative speed.
Some of these biases are related to memory. The way
you remember an event may be biased for a number
of reasons and that, in turn, can lead to biased
thinking and decision-making.
Other cognitive biases might be related to problems
with attention. Since attention is a limited resource,
people have to be selective about what they pay
attention to in the world around them.
4. .
Diagnostic errors have a significant impact on health care
outcomes and patient care. The development of diagnostic
error are complex with flaws in health care systems, as well as
human error, playing a role.
Cognitive biases and a failure of decision-making shortcuts
(heuristics) are human factors that can compromise the
diagnostic process.
We will describe these mechanisms, their role with the
clinician, and provide clinical scenarios to highlight the various
points at which biases may emerge.
We will discuss strategies to modify the development and
influence of these processes and the vulnerability of heuristics
to provide insight and improve clinical outcomes.
5. Results.
All studies found at least one cognitive bias or
personality trait to affect physicians.
Overconfidence, lower tolerance to risk, the
anchoring effect, and information and availability
biases were associated with diagnostic inaccuracies
in 36.5 to 77 % of case-scenarios
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26. 10 tips to overcome cognitive biases
While cognitive biases can be unconscious, there are a number of things we can do to reduce
their likelihood.
1. Be aware
The first tip to overcome these biases is to acknowledge that they exist. When we know there are
factors that can alter the way we see things, we're more likely to be careful as we form judgments
or make decisions.
2. Consider current factors that may be influencing your decision
Is there anything in the current situation that could lead you to feel overconfident in your
convictions? Or cause you to ignore certain information? Make sure not to fall victim to the
bandwagon effect, or adopt attitudes simply because others are.
3. Reflect on the past
Look for patterns in how you've perceived prior situations and where you might have made
mistakes. If, for example, you see that you tend to ignore facts or overemphasize intuition. Then
lean into opportunities to further explore data presented to you.
27. 4. Be curious
Being curious can help us avoid cognitive biases. Curiosity can help us pause long enough to ask
questions. It stops us from assuming we're right.
5. Strive for a growth mindset
People with growth mindsets believe that cognitive ability can be developed and tend to learn
from criticism. Rather than covering up mistakes, they see them as an opportunity to learn.
They don’t believe that factors are “fixed” or unchangeable. Cognitive bias modification is possible
with some work and effort. A growth mindset is one of many heuristics that can help move you in
the right direction.
6. Identify what makes you uncomfortable
Are there people or situations that rub you the wrong way? Ask yourself what makes you respond
this way and whether you could have a bias that's impacting your perspective.
7. Embrace the opposite
Trying to understand an issue from both sides can make you a stronger critical thinker and help
you see the world with more empathy. Push yourself to believe the opposite of your initial reaction
and pay attention to what happens.
28. 8. Seek multiple perspectives
Solicit feedback and perspectives from others. Asking others for their input can help us
find potential blind spots and stop us from being overconfident.
9. Look for disconfirming evidence
Go out of your way to seek out information that runs counter to your existing belief.
10. Practice intellectual humility
Intellectual humility is about remaining open to the idea that you might be wrong.
Rather than blindly standing by our convictions, it’s about asking, “what am I missing
here?”
