Cognitive Errors and Biases That Influence Our Thinking
Confirmation bias, the “broken window effect,” and false assumptions — these are just a few examples of cognitive biases that influence our decision-making processes in everyday life. Let’s take a look at 4 powerful biases we often encounter.
1. Perceiving Black Men as Bigger and Stronger
Studies show that people tend to perceive Black men as bigger and stronger compared to White men of the same height and weight.
In a U.S. study with 950 participants, photos of men of different races but with similar physical features were shown. Black men were consistently perceived as larger and stronger. Some even believed that Black men posed a greater threat in hypothetical confrontations, justifying the use of police force against them.
Interestingly, Black participants also shared this bias — they, too, perceived Black men as stronger.
This finding overlaps with other biases, such as the tendency to overestimate the ages of Black boys compared to White boys. The good news is that training and awareness programs can help reduce the impact of such biases.
2. Interpreting Facial Expressions Through Stereotypes
We often misinterpret facial expressions. Research shows that:
-
Black men are more likely to be perceived as angry, regardless of their actual emotions.
-
Women are more likely to be perceived as happy, regardless of what they actually feel.
This isn’t always due to conscious racism or sexism, but rather because our brains create quick visual shortcuts. With more time to reflect, many people would realize that the Black man’s expression might simply indicate fatigue, or that the woman’s smile isn’t necessarily joyful.
Our brains are wired to make quick decisions for survival. But these shortcuts sometimes reinforce false stereotypes.
3. Distrust and Overreliance on Foreign Accents
Accents also shape our biases. For example, when hearing a strong Southern accent, we may instantly associate the speaker with the South or certain personality traits.
In a Canadian study, participants evaluated neutral statements spoken with different accents. The results showed that people found speakers with accents similar to their own more convincing.
This reveals two biases:
-
We tend to distrust those who sound different from us.
-
We are more likely to trust people who speak with confidence.
These effects matter not only in everyday conversations, such as with tourists, but also in serious contexts like education, work, and even courtrooms.
4. Racial Assumptions Based on Social Status
We classify people not only by appearance but also by social status.
In one study, participants were shown computer-generated faces with mixed racial features. Those wearing business attire were more likely to be classified as “White,” while those with yellowed teeth were more often seen as “Black.”
Another long-term study revealed that racial classification can change over time. Factors like employment, education, place of residence, and even prison experience influenced how others perceived a person’s race.
These assumptions are usually not conscious. Our brains simply seek “easy shortcuts” and fall back on stereotypes.
Conclusion
These biases are fascinating examples of how the human brain works. Recognizing and reflecting on them can help us make fairer decisions — both in our daily lives and at the societal level.