What is a cognitive bias?

Cognitive bias refers to systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment. This means that when people make decisions, they often rely on heuristics or mental shortcuts that can lead to consistent misjudgments or errors in reasoning. Cognitive biases can result from various factors, including emotional influences, social pressures, or limitations in our cognitive processing capabilities.

For instance, an individual might overemphasize information that confirms their preexisting beliefs while disregarding contradictory evidence, illustrating a specific type of cognitive bias known as confirmation bias. Understanding cognitive biases is crucial because they can affect decision-making in everyday life, careers, and broader societal contexts.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of cognitive bias. Random errors in judgment lack the systematic aspect that defines cognitive biases. Meanwhile, methods for improving cognitive functions or techniques to bolster memory retention are not related to biases but rather pertain to strategies for enhancing cognitive performance. Therefore, the correct choice emphasizes the predictable and consistent nature of these deviations, which is essential for identifying and addressing biases in thought processes.