Cognitive biases

What is a cognitive bias?

A systematic pattern of deviation from norm or rationality in judgement such as creating their own “subjective social reality” based on their own perceptions which can lead to irrationality.

How may this explain addictive behaviour?

Addicts may have cognitive errors and biases that lead them to make what they feel are rational choices.

What do most addicts report experiencing that contradicts social learning theory?

Substantial evidence showing that addicts report negative expectancies as common or even more than positive expectancies from addiction. Suggests processes governing the behaviour are outside of conscious awareness.

What are Heuristics?

Simple efficient rules which people often use to form judgements and make decisions quickly and are vital for humans to function. There are many heuristics

What are 2 examples of Heuristics?

Representativeness (what we use when estimating probabilities) and availability (make decisions based on emotional cues, more likely to happen because we hear more about it)

What is gamblers fallacy?

Representative heuristics make gamblers feel that a bet is a “sure thing” because an outcome is due as after a loss there is a win.

What did Karen and Lewis (1994) find?

Two types of gamblers fallacy.

Type 1 - gambler is certain than an outcome is due in order to bring about balance.

Type 2 - believe a random system is biased and believe they have spotted patterns when there are none.

How does availability heuristic apply to gambling?

Gambler may remember the times they won big, these memories are more available than the ones of losing so they overestimate their chances of winning.

What is Sunk-Cost Fallacy?

Decision making bias that reflects the tendency to invest more future resources in a situation which a prior investment has been made. (Made many bets before so need to carry on as they are due a win)