# What Is Cognitive Bias?  ## Metadata - Author: [[Alexander S. Gillis]] - Full Title: What Is Cognitive Bias? - Category: #articles - Summary: Cognitive bias is a mental shortcut that simplifies information processing but can lead to errors in judgment. It often operates unconsciously, affecting how we perceive and interpret the world. Understanding cognitive biases can help improve decision-making in various fields, including data analytics and software development. - URL: https://www.techtarget.com/searchenterpriseai/definition/cognitive-bias ## Highlights - **Anchoring bias**. The tendency for the brain to rely too much on the first information it received when making decisions. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j4syzk9gnhde39kn860st0a6)) - **Bandwagon effect****.** The tendency for the brain to conclude that something must be desirable because other people desire it. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j4sz1fpqsfx3f25aqyww4nf9)) - **Bias blind spot.** The tendency for the brain to recognize another's bias but not its own. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j4sz1ryskjh0e4qmqkq7qvwj)) - **Clustering illusion.** The tendency for the brain to want to see a pattern in what is actually a random sequence of numbers or events. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j4sz1ycp1k8wyyns3gp49skj)) - **Confirmation bias**. The tendency for the brain to value new information that supports existing ideas. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j4syz79a3hxwfqq8pjfbgsex)) - **The Dunning-Kruger effect****.** The tendency for an individual with limited knowledge or competence in a given field to overestimate their own skills in that field. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j4syz294s0q4kfn3bnt2a01n)) - **Halo effect**. The tendency for a person's impression in one area to influence an opinion in another area. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j4syzt6a20qj4qzbxtg52e5s)) - **Negativity bias.** The tendency for the brain to subconsciously place more significance on negative events than positive ones. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j4sz04e3c5ttq158xgstfgf5)) - [**Proximity bias**](https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/feature/Proximity-bias-explained-Everything-you-need-to-know). Proximity bias is the subconscious tendency to give preferential treatment to people that are physically close. A physical worker being considered for a raise before a remote worker because they are in the immediate vicinity of their superior is an example of proximity bias. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j4sz0dewypc2czyvetyvpr7d)) - **Survivorship bias.** The tendency for the brain to focus on positive outcomes in favor of negative ones. A related phenomenon is the ostrich effect, in which people metaphorically bury their heads in the sand to avoid bad news. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j4sz0qp115f74h4ynpggb68f))