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Think But Be Aware Of The Biases

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Submitted by Charles Knighton


thinkingTo neurophysiologists  who research cognitive functions, the emotionally driven appear to suffer from cognitive deficits that mimic certain types of brain injuries. Not just partisan political junkies, but ardent sports fans (the Windies are always just around the corner  from reclaiming cricket glory), the devout, even hobbyists—- anyone with an intense emotional interest in a subject, loses the ability to observe it objectively. You selectively perceive events.  You ignore data and facts that disagree with your main philosophy. Even your memory works to fool you, as you selectively retain what you believe in and subtly  mask any memories that might conflict.

Studies have shown that we are actually biased in our visual perception —- literally how we see the world—- because of our belief systems. This cognitive bias is not an occasional problem. It is a systematic source of errors. The third rate mind is only happy when it is thinking with the majority. The second rate mind is only happy when it is thinking with the minority. The first rate mind is only happy when it is thinking.

As humans, those in each category suffer biases, but the first rate thinker is aware of his biases and proceeds accordingly. Until we all become aware of our biases, emotive issues will never be thoroughly resolved.

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11 responses to “Think But Be Aware Of The Biases”

  1. islandgal246 Avatar
    islandgal246

    http://weblamp.princeton.edu/~psych/psychology/research/pronin/case.php

  2. islandgal246 Avatar
    islandgal246

    http://weblamp.princeton.edu/~psych/psychology/research/pronin/pubs/2007%20Bias%20Perception.pdf

  3. islandgal246 Avatar
    islandgal246

    This is actually very thought provoking. Important decisions are made everyday at every level by people like us who have biases that will influence that decision. Many of us are not really aware of these biases because we call them our beliefs. Many of our beliefs shape our outlook on life and many times we are uncomfortable to entertain another way of thinking, much of that is a result of the fear of THINKING. I wonder what the world would be like today if the fearless THINKERS who became inventors took the path of fear and didn’t THINK. Hmmn ……. I wonder how many are willing to exercise their brain power and throw their biases out of the door. I wonder…….

  4. David Avatar
    David

    The challenge for ordinary folks seems to be separating beliefs from biases; and some say life can be simple.

  5. Different Avatar
    Different

    @ Charles Knighton
    Very interesting post. I am pleased to have this information. It allows for analysis and a better understanding of the stand I take although all of the facts are before me. My belief may very well be stronger than my bias or the other way. Very interesting. Many thanks.

  6. David Avatar
    David

  7. kiki Avatar
    kiki

    Reality Tunnels
    ===========
    The mind processes hundreds of eye -> brain visual sensory input signals each second and must filter out and concentrate on what it perceives as the most important or a danger or threat, i.e. it ignores all but the most important messages.

    One way it does this is to categorize signals based on past events and preconceptions already filed away as previous learned knowledge. This effect is called reality tunnels, where each person has a different perspective and interpretation as anyone else when witnessing the same events based on past experience.

    For example white police men are known to not be able to distinguish black / brown people from each other effectively and an example is when South American student Jean Charles De Menzies was shot by police because they thought he was a muslim terrorist. (most black / brown people would have recognized he was not of middle eastern descent). They even darkened up his photo in the inquest to justify their error.

  8. kiki Avatar
    kiki

    * LSD opens up the mind channels to receive more sensory input signals / second
    WAR – The World Is A Ghetto

  9. kiki Avatar
    kiki

    @ Me
    Sorry above tune was nobbled by WMG.. here’s another video version (but don’t tell anyone)
    http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xhbt7x_war-the-world-is-a-ghetto_music

  10. kiki Avatar
    kiki

    There are 16,000 images compressed in this 15 min video video (some are repeats), how many do you see.

  11. Coognitive Dissonance Avatar
    Coognitive Dissonance

    Here is the original source material

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/why-politics-and-investing-dont-mix/2011/02/06/ABnAlvQ_story.html

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