Question

After reading the chapter, Cyril says to himself, "I am sure other people might engage in faulty thinking, but I never would." What is Cyril experiencing?

a. Motivated thinking
b. Confirmation bias
c. Faulty intuition
d. Bias blind spot

Answer 1

Cyril is experiencing a bias blind spot, a form of cognitive bias where he fails to see his own potential for biased thinking while easily recognizing it in others. The correct option is b. Confirmation bias

Step-by-step explanation:

When Cyril believes that others may engage in faulty thinking but he himself never would, he is experiencing a bias blind spot. This cognitive bias refers to the tendency to see oneself as less biased than others, failing to acknowledge one's own potential for biased thinking. It's like overlooking the flaws in our own reasoning while noticing them in others.

In addition, confirmation bias plays a significant role in supporting one's existing beliefs or superstitions, as evidence supporting these beliefs is typically favored over contradictory information. This bias can lead to illogical associations, such as considering a specific item of clothing as lucky for a sports team, based on selective recall of wins and not losses while wearing that item.