Cognitive Bias Research Paper

A cognitive bias is a common tendency to acquire and process information by filtering it through one's own likes, dislikes, and experiences. These are often studied in psychology and behavioral economics. There are many types of these cognitive biases, which analyze the reasons why we think what we think. The cognitive biases are all the different ways that our brains process information and sort through situations. We think of these through situational experiences and formulate perceptions from the impact caused. We then tend to interpret future situations from the original experience. The cognitive bias that is one of the most prevalent biases people demonstrate is the stereotypical bias. This is when you are expecting a member of a group …show more content…
In my life, I have had the opportunity to travel throughout the world. Having been to six out of the seven continents, and several countries within each, I am now very aware of stereotypes and their appropriate uses for each culture. However, at a young age, I did not know stereotypes were often incorrect. Growing up in the south, it was common to be slightly racist towards African americans. Being in a primarily white area, many people were not aware of how different black people were around the world. All they knew was that African american and white people were different and had a much different culture. As my parents do not believe in such stereotypes, both being raised in Ohio, I was taught that these are not acceptable to think or say aloud. When I moved up to a primarily African american city, Philadelphia, I quickly learned that people were much more accepting of African americans. My knowledge of stereotyping that exists on an international level was also rapidly changing. Based on my experiences, I became aware of how people actually were overseas, rather than basing my “knowledge” from conceited …show more content…
Although I’m still becoming aware of this topic, it has become easy to pick it up within different individuals. All my life I’ve always been very attracted to the idea of being in a Fraternity. For obvious reasons, many people look at Fraternities as institutions with poor morals. Even though some of those aspects are very real, this is considered a stereotypical bias. As I joined the Kappa Sigma Fraternity at the Catholic University of America, I slowly learned that being in Fraternity meant more than parties and drinking. Since we’re obligated to complete service hours, our Fraternity made a trip down to Saint Ann’s Infant and Maternity home where volunteers and selected staff support teen mothers. Throughout the day, I noticed how this community event demonstrated the other side of all Fraternities. Being a part of a Greek Fraternal organization is not always about partying, but bringing a group of guys that are like- minded. However, some still do not have the opinions as myself. Looking at a certain circumstance, my roommate, had a different view of Greek organizations, that being the typical stereotype. Since he had no knowledge of the Fraternities perspective, his perception, at the time, wouldn't likely change from a negative outlook. As I explained to him, Fraternities aren't all about the unprincipled demeanor that some would surmise. After this