Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the article "Three Cheers For the Nanny State," a cognitive bias refers to a systematic error in thinking or decision-making that can lead to deviations from rationality or accurate judgment. It is a tendency for the human brain to rely on mental shortcuts or heuristics, which can sometimes lead to inaccurate or irrational conclusions.
In the article, the specific cognitive bias mentioned is the availability heuristic. This bias occurs when people base their judgments or beliefs on how easily examples or instances come to mind. It involves relying on easily recalled information, which may not necessarily be representative or accurate.
The author of the article argues that the availability heuristic can lead people to overestimate the frequency or likelihood of certain events or risks. In the context of the "Nanny State," it refers to the tendency of individuals to support excessive government intervention or regulations based on vivid, emotionally charged anecdotes or examples that are readily available to them.
By understanding cognitive biases, including the availability heuristic, we can become more aware of our own thinking processes an