Oct 27, 2023, 10:48 AM IST

Mind traps: 7 most common thinking errors

DNA WEB DESK

Spotlight effect

The spotlight effect refers to our tendency to feel like we are "in the spotlight" all the time. For example, it's your first day at the gym and it feels like everyone is watching you.

Anchoring effect

The anchoring effect is when the initial information influences later decisions. Example: A high initial price on a product makes a discounted price seem like a better deal.

Gambler’s fallacy

Retrospective gambler's fallacy examples include observing several consecutive "heads" in a coin toss and inferring that the previously unknown flip was "tails" based on this information.

Halo effect 

When we think of appearances, we frequently experience the halo effect. A classic example is the belief that someone who is physically attractive must also be intelligent, sociable, and kind.

Contrast effect 

The contrast effect distorts judgement by making something appear more or less significant when compared to a contrasting, extreme example. Example: A Rs 500 meal seems cheap after seeing a Rs 1000 option.

Confirmation bias

Confirmation bias mind trap occurs when one favors information that confirms existing beliefs. Example: A person only reads news that supports their political views and ignores opposing perspectives.

Cognitive dissonance

Cognitive dissonance is discomfort from conflicting beliefs. Example: A smoker may know it's unhealthy but continue due to the dissonance of enjoying smoking while knowing it's harmful.