Cognitive Bias

Cognitive Bias

The central idea in Constructivism is that knowledge is constructed inside the mind of the learner. While that is a powerful and even beautiful idea, learner-constructed knowledge is also subject to systematic and predictable errors in the way human brains operate. In short, human brains are subject to cognitive bias. This article from VeryWell Mind, a website that produces and indexes high-quality information about mental health and how the mind works, covers 10 different types of cognitive bias. 

Please note that cognitive biases are not the same thing as "logical fallacy." Logical fallacies are a different, and equally important way individuals can fail at thinking. The distinction between a logical fallacy and a cognitive bias is that cognitive biases are rooted in the way the brain actually works whereas logical fallacies are errors in argument. Learners can be trained to avoid logical fallacies, but cognitive biases are trickier. We can be trained that cognitive biases exist, and we can work against them, but they can't be conquered the way logical fallacies can be.

If you are interested in learning more about cognitive bias, check out "Six Biases of Decision Making" on LinkedIn Learning. LinkedIn Learning courses are free for all WSU instructors, staff, and students. If you have not yet claimed your LinkedIn Learning license, please do that before you go to the course.