Evaluation Practical applications One strength of cognitive biases is that they can be applied to real-world behaviour. For example, we can work to overcome con rmation bias by deliberately seeking out information that contradicts our existing views about political parties or football teams or whatever (e.g. by reading a variety of news sources and applying critical thinking skills). This is useful because, by understanding cognitive biases, we can improve our decision-making and reduce negative effects on behaviour. Research support Another strength is evidence of the link between hostile attribution bias and aggression. People with a strong HAB o¡en behave aggressively. When they are behaving aggressively, they may experience a temporary increase in their hostile attributions (which are already at a high level). This makes further aggression even more likely – a vicious circle (Tuente et al. 2019). This shows the central role of a HAB in aggressive behaviour, and also a potential way of tackling it (by turning hostile attributions into neutral ones). The FAE is not universal One weakness is that the fundamental attribution error (FAE) only exists in some cultures. In individualist cultures (e.g. USA), people tend to value individual needs above the needs of the wider community. Behaviour is usually attributed to individual characteristics – that is how behaviour is understood in such cultures. However, in collectivist cultures (e.g. China) the group/community is prioritised over individual needs, so people more o¡en attribute behaviour to situational factors rather than to personality. This suggests the FAE may not be a ‘fundamental’ feature of human information processing a¡er all. Think back over what you have done today. What attributions have you made about the people around you (i.e. what explanations have you given for someone’s behaviour)? List some of them. Now tick the ones which might be biased. An issue to consider A1 Cognitive approach Learners must be able to understand and apply knowledge of key concepts to explain aspects of human behaviour, including: ● Cognitive biases, including fundamental attribution error, confirmation bias and hostile attribution bias. Specification content Maneet is a police detective and Marcus is her senior officer. One day, Maneet was out interviewing potential witnesses when one of them had a panic attack and had to receive medical help. Maneet was late back to the office, so Marcus accused her of being lazy and having a poor attitude. 1. Using one concept from the cognitive approach, explain Marcus’s comments about Maneet. (3 marks) 2. Maneet politely explained why she was late. Marcus said he did not like Maneet’s angry tone and warned her she could go on report. Identify the type of cognitive bias shown by Marcus and explain why it could be a reason for his behaviour. (3 marks) 3. Brie«y evaluate the use of cognitive biases to explain Marcus’s behaviour. (3 marks) 4. State what is meant by ‘cognitive biases’. (1 mark) 5. (a) State the meaning of ‘con rmation bias’. (1 mark) (b) Explain one way that con rmation bias could affect behaviour in everyday life. (2 marks) 6. Describe one example of the fundamental attribution error in everyday life. (2 marks) Exam-style questions A wrong diagnosis This real case was described by CarolineWellbery (2011). A woman visited her doctor with two major symptoms – a rash under her arms and pain in her joints. The patient was obese and had Type 2 diabetes. The doctor diagnosed intertrigo, which is in ammation caused by folds of skin rubbing together. He prescribed ointment for the rash and ibuprofen for the pain. Unhappy with this outcome, the patient sought a second opinion. The second doctor ordered a blood test to be carried out and diagnosed Lyme disease. This is a bacterial infection usually caused by a bite from a tick (for example when walking in the countryside). 1. How did con rmation bias contribute to the wrong diagnosis and treatment? Identify at least two speci c examples from the case to support your explanation. 2. Explain how the fundamental attribution error and hostile attribution bias might also have contributed to the wrong diagnosis. ACTIVE GET ‘Did you spill my pint?’ Some aggression can be explained by the hostile attribution bias. Spilling someone’s drink is not usually deliberate but someone with this cognitive bias might think it is. 23 Copyright: Sample material
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