Question

Briefly examine what part you think mastery of facts and understanding of data have in avoiding cognitive bias in System-1 thinking.

Answer 1

System 1 thinking can be called as "Gut Reaction". It is a fast thinking. Instinctive nature is it's main characteristic. It also contains emotional aspect integrated with it. It is responsible for making "first impression". Jumping to some conclusions also take place through this type of thinking.

We may have certain cognitive preferences for some aspects. These preferences may create cognitive biased behaviour. This type of behaviour can be avoided by neglecting time pressure under which we will have to make certain decision.

Whatever decision we are making, we should analyse it's consequences. We should analyse whether we will be happy with our decision or not. Feeling of guilt and remorse should not be a part of consequences. We should focus one task at a time.

We must be aware about our own working pattern. We should analyse our strengths and weaknesses in order to make a perfect decision. We should not make any decision in evening if we are a morning person and vice versa.

A sense of awareness and a deep insights must be there in order to avoid any type of cognitive bias. Various alternatives should be kept as a backup in case of a wrong decision making.