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Decision-Making Dilemmas: Navigating the Cognitive Biases.

Georgina Musembi, M.Sc.
3 min readJan 19, 2024

Decision-making is a fundamental aspect of our lives. Whether it’s choosing what to have for dinner or making high-stakes business decisions, our choices are influenced by a myriad of factors. However, the process could be more rational. The human mind is prone to cognitive biases, subtle and systematic errors in thinking that can impact the quality of our decisions. Understanding these biases is crucial for navigating the complex landscape of decision-making.

Confirmation Bias: Seeing What We Want to See.

Confirmation bias is the tendency to favor information that confirms our existing beliefs or values while ignoring or dismissing evidence that challenges them. This bias can lead to a distorted view of reality in decision-making, hindering our ability to make objective and informed choices. Overcoming confirmation bias requires a conscious effort to seek out diverse perspectives and consider conflicting evidence.

Anchoring Bias: The Power of the First Impression.

Anchoring bias occurs when our decisions are influenced by the first piece of information we encounter — the “anchor.” Subsequent information about this anchor is often interpreted, impacting our final judgment. To mitigate anchoring bias, it’s essential to be aware of initial information and actively seek…

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Georgina Musembi, M.Sc.
Georgina Musembi, M.Sc.

Written by Georgina Musembi, M.Sc.

Content Writer & Editor specializing in Wellness, Technology, Self development, Business wellness, Psychology & Book Reviews.

Responses (5)

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Anchoring bias occurs when our decisions are influenced by the first piece of information we encounter — the “anchor.”

This one is new to me.

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Interesting and informative.

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Confirmation bias is the tendency to favor information that confirms our existing beliefs or values while ignoring or dismissing evidence that challenges them.

This is one of my main complaints with social media. We hunt for information that proves what we think instead of looking at more objective articles that present both sides of the topic. Doing these things keeps us ignorant and keeps us from growing as a country and as a person.

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