Understanding our Cognitive Biases

Watch this 10-minute tutorial on the most common cognitive biases.

See how biases can shape and distort our judgments. Understanding and checking these biases can improve our ability to engage in civil discourse and make sound political decisions, i.e. by voting. [Credit: Practical Psychology]

Watch this video to understand one of the most important cognitive biases that shapes our beliefs and behaviors: the bias blind spot.

This is the belief many of us carry that, “I’m not biased, but other people probably are biased.” Tackling this “bias blind spot” in ourselves can help us become more open to other perspectives. [Credit: Kevin De La Plante, Critical Thinker Academy]

Watch this video to understand the spread of "fake news."

Learn particularly how our cognitive biases make all of us susceptible to believing and spreading false information, i.e. “fake news.” Confirmation bias, a.k.a. “motivated reasoning,” causes us all to look for information (whether true or false) that reinforces our own, strongly held opinions. [Credit: SciShow Psych]

Watch this video for a 3-minute tutorial on “System 1” and “System 2” thinking.

Psychologist and economist Daniel Kahneman, in his popular book Thinking Fast and Slow, describes these concepts. Understanding System 1 and System 2 thinking can help us remember to check our immediate impulses and engage in more “effortful” thinking before we harden our opinions. [Credit: Daniel Kahneman, MinuteVideos]

Watch this video for a longer explanation of “System 1” and “System 2.”

See how applying more “System 2” thinking can guide more informed, rational decision-making in ourselves and others. [Credit: Callibrain]

Watch this video to learn how to approach conversations between strongly opposing views.

Approaching controversial topics through the lens of others’ values, beliefs, and biases is difficult but offers a path forward when trying to reconcile opposing points of view. [Credit: SciShow Psych]

Take a survey with Project Implicit.

Project Implicit explores and exposes human beings' implicit, unconscious biases on a wide range of topics. Sign in and take one or more short surveys to gain insight about your own unconscious biases, and to contribute to the ongoing research. [Credit: Project Implicit]

Watch this video series to learn about “pathological tribalism”.

Pathological tribalism results from the interactions between polarized political and cultural environments and our natural tribal psychology. Learn how it might affect our political conversations [Credit: Kevin deLaplante].