Humans are bound to demonstrate a subjective reality as they process information. Also known as cognitive bias, it is associated with the brain’s attempt to simplify the world and hence speed up the decision-making process (O’Sullivian & Schofield, 2018). I exemplify cognitive bias in three major areas of life; undying belief in God, differentiating between wrong versus right, and defining of a good person. This paper details how I acquired these beliefs and further gives examples of two common cognitive biases.
I have always believed in the existence of God, an all powerful force that initiated all forms of life and controls life’s realities such as the weather, time of death for my loved ones, if healing from disease can take place, and fertility. I also believe that actions are either wrong or right based on the outcomes. When a person kills another, the action is wrong because they usher in sadness, pain, and suffering for the family. On the other hand, a doctor who does everything possible to preserve life is morally right because their action lead to happiness for a majority of people. Based on this, I define a good person as one who behaves and acts in a way that promotes happiness and well-being in society.
My beliefs are engraved within me from my childhood. I was taught to have reverence to God because He created the world and therefore all-powerful and all-seeing. I watched my parents pray and attend church regularly. I also observed that I did not have control over some aspects of life, including the timing of my love one’s death and earthquakes. I believe that God controls many things and that religion is important in giving humanity a sense of hope in difficult circumstances. Besides this, I have come across very angry, mean, and vengeful people in my life. They are often unsociable and cannot be trusted to make decisions that promote people’s welfare. I argue that such people are evil based on their upbringing, experiences, and their spiritual orientation. I also know that there are many people committed to doing good things such as giving to charity, and comforting the bereaved. Having seen how good actions improve people’s quality of life, I believe that there is a distinction between right and wrong.
Notably, my beliefs are associated with two cognitive biases; framing cognitive bias and narrative fallacy. My farming cognitive bias is associated with my belief in God; the information presented to me regarding the existence of God was farmed appealingly. I did not consider other issues such as the evolution theory and related evidence on the origin of life. The narrative fallacy is also demonstrated in my understanding of what is right or wrong since my parents narrated stories regarding different outcomes for evil doers and righteous people. For instance, examples of gifts and rewards being offered to righteous people were cited regularly. Evil children did not qualify for good gifts during Christmas and other holidays. The narrative was appealing enough to form cognitive bias on the definition of good people and wrong vs. right actions.
Overall, cognitive bias has shaped my decision-making processes and judgment on different aspects of life. Believing in God and having a sense of morality determines my relationships and how I approach certain subjects such as death, making donations, and maintaining friendships in my social circle. I may have a different stance if different facts or ideals are presented persuasively.
Reference
O’Sullivian, E. D. & Schofield, S. J. (2018). Cognitive bias in clinical medicine. Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburg, 48(3), 225-232.
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