Cognitive scrips and biases

Created by

Ella Harrod

Cards (19)

What is a cognitive script?
Information in our memory that guides our behaviour in a situation
What can a cognitive script also be called?
Memory script
How are cognitive script formed?
Previous experience in the environment
List the features of a cognitive/memory script
In a time order (1st enter restaurant)
Goals within the script
They evolve with more experience in the environment (Script is more refined)
Influenced by culture (countries rules)
Influence memory (more memorable because its consistent or inconsistent can stand out)
What is person perception?
Forming opinions on people on first impression based on which characteristics they have and which ones group together.
How does person perception work?
Make assumptions - Gaps is our knowledge of someone new so we fill the gaps with things we assume about them due to their characteristics
Stereotype + bias - We assume that one person is a representation of a whole group and this information can often be wrong
What is a cognitive bias?
Errors in how we process information that can effect attention, memory and decision making.
What are the negative effects of cognitive biases?
Effect memory and decision making
They can make us less confident in making rational decisions
What are the positive effects of cognitive biases?
They simplify information to help us make quicker decisions
What is fundamental attribution error?
Making a decision on someone without taking into account their personal life.
What is attribution?
Attribution is Trying to explain reasons for others behaviour
What is fundamental error?
Errors based on characteristics
What is conformation bias?
Favour information that fits in with our beliefs and ignore information that goes against our beliefs
What does it mean when we favour information?
We notice the information more quickly and recall it easier
What is hostile attribution bias?
Assuming someone's behaviour has an aggressive motive due to characteristics or not seeing its neutral
strengths of biases
over come conformation biases - look at info that contradicts our believes - improve decision making
HAB + Aggression are linked - stronger HAB = more aggressive - tackle aggressive behaviour - turn it neutral
Weaknesses of biases
FAB Only exists in some cultures
individualist - think about own needs rather than others - behaviour attributed to own characteristics - USA
Collectivist - group needs before own - CHINA - attribute behaviour to group factors
Not fundamental in human processing
Strengths of scripts
reduce stereotypes - make person perception more accurate by getting to know someone before making a judgement
evidence of use of memory scripts -BOWER - given routine in wrong order but we recall it in correct order
Weaknesses of scrips  
Not always following our scripts - in an environment we could be imitating behaviours or following cues - not full explanation