Semmelweis Bias

  • reflex-ish behavior
  • reject any new information or evidence when it contradicts established norms, beliefs, or paradigms

Modern Example

  • spreading of Covid
  • airborne based spreading (aerosols) only recognized rather late by WHO
  • droplet based spreading recognized much soon - since most other deceases are spread via droplets

Authority Bias

  • “authority is better”
  • more likely to believe something when the information comes from perceived credible sources, especially authorities
  • top of social hierarchy favored

Confirmation Bias

  • favor information which supports already formed opinions

Fundamental Attribution Error

  • overemphasize personal preferences and biases
  • underemphasize context and current situation

Egocentric Bias

  • tendency to rely too heavily on one’s own perspective
  • higher opinion of oneself than reality

Reactive Devaluation Bias

  • statements and proposals are rejected because from an antagonist
  • even when logically and factually sound argumentation
  • “a nazi said it, so it must be wrong”

In-Group Bias

  • favoring characteristics of own group over other groups

Availability Bias

  • information that is more readily available (i.e. more easily accessible) by your memories are used more than the once that are less available
  • Priming