While completing his physics degree, Matt Kafker took a psychology class where he learned about cognitive biases. Cognitive biases are techniques the brain uses to quickly analyze information, but they can also cause people to make decisions or form opinions based on previous experiences rather than objective facts. Some examples of biases discussed are confirmation bias, where people are more receptive to ideas that agree with what they already believe, and correspondent bias, where people underestimate external factors that influence others' behaviors and situations.

1. The Role of Cognitive Bias
By: Matt Kafker

2. The Role of Cognitive Bias
While completing his degree in physics, Matthew (Matt) Kafker has taken courses in literature and
social science. In a recent semester, Matt Kafker enrolled in a psychology class.

3. The Role of Cognitive Bias
The concept of cognitive bias is covered in many college-level psychology courses. To make
sense of the world, the brain employs techniques to quickly parse through and analyze information.
To make decisions more rapidly, the brain may rely on biases developed from past experiences.

4. The Role of Cognitive Bias
For example, the confirmation bias makes the brain more receptive to ideas that confirm previously
held beliefs. This can make understanding or accepting an opposing opinion difficult, even if it is
based on facts.

5. The Role of Cognitive Bias
Likewise, the brain can depend too much on visually available information and ignore the impact of
unknown factors. This is prevalent in the correspondent bias used to analyze the behaviors of
others.

6. The Role of Cognitive Bias
Bias causes people to underestimate the impact of external influences on other people’s situations.
For example, someone may assume another person’s success comes solely from intelligence or
diligence and may not recognize the role of luck, timing, and other environmental factors.