An elementary step in avoiding errors is checking your logic. Logical errors are just as invalidating as factual errors, but despite that, they can be quite seductive. The brain is not automatically equipped to navigate complicated logic, and so bad logic can sometimes seem quite convincing, especially if it appeals to emotion. The good news is that its not hard to learn proper logic and the typical pitfalls humans are likely to encounter. By learning and practicing, we can actually avoid logical mistakes all together. I often notice people assuming the same is true about cognitive biases. Its important to realize a cognitive bias is different from bad logic. A cognitive bias is a blind spot in your thinking and, just like the blind spot in your vision, very hard to notice without it being pointed out. Further, once you do notice, there isnt really much you can do to avoid it. At best, you can understand the mistake it is likely to lead to, the information it is preventing you from having, or the perspective it obscures, and attempt to mitigate. This is easier to do with some biases than others, but preventing bias all together is not an option. Being inclined to think that you can avoid a bias because you are aware of it is itself a bias. (bit.ly/1tqqQhQ) Looking inward is different from looking outward. We may become very good at spotting a certain bias in others views while completely missing it in our own. Cognitive biases arise from the very architecture and function of thinking, and so they occur subconsciously. Its not a matter of skill or expertise, which is why the saying The lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client is often true. Its why even the best doctors arent supposed to diagnose and treat themselves. So why learn about biases at all? Think of it this way: knowing how and why an optical illusion tricks your brain doesnt stop it from tricking your brain, but the information is still valuable. It can mean the difference between accuracy and error, and being aware of biases is valuable for the same reason. We may not be able to prevent biases, but we can stop ourselves from using them extraneously and relying on them for support. We can learn to recognize them, admit to them, and compensate. Knowing biases cant be prevented is not a reason to give up; its just another reason peer-review is a necessity, why the lone maverick must be vetted, and why we should remain ever-skeptical of our own opinions.
Posted on: Thu, 21 Aug 2014 09:07:54 +0000
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