We fill in characteristics from stereotypes, generalities, and prior histories

Deep Dive

All Biases

Group Attribution Error

We assume that an individual's characteristics reflect the group they belong to, or that group decisions reflect all members' preferences.

Ultimate Attribution Error

We attribute negative behaviors of outgroup members to their character while attributing their positive behaviors to external circumstances.

Stereotyping

We assume that individuals possess certain characteristics based on their membership in a group.

Essentialism

We believe that certain categories have an underlying essence that determines their characteristics.

Functional Fixedness

We see objects only in terms of their traditional uses, limiting creative problem-solving.

Moral Credential Effect

We feel licensed to behave unethically after doing something good, as if we've earned moral credits.

Just-World Hypothesis

We believe the world is fair and people get what they deserve, leading us to blame victims.

Argument from Fallacy

We assume that if an argument contains a logical fallacy, its conclusion must be false.

Authority Bias

We attribute greater accuracy and weight to the opinions of authority figures.

Automation Bias

We favor suggestions from automated systems over contradictory information from non-automated sources.

Bandwagon Effect

We adopt beliefs or behaviors because many others do so.

Placebo Effect

We experience real changes in symptoms or conditions because we believe a treatment will work.