Cognitive Biases

Cognitive Biases in Chinese

Discussing cognitive biases in Chinese requires specific vocabulary. These concepts are increasingly relevant in Chinese media literacy.

Key biases and their Chinese names

• 确认偏误 (confirmation bias): Only seeking evidence that confirms existing beliefs
• 人们往往倾向于只接受与自己观点相符的信息。
• "People tend to only accept information that aligns with their existing views."
• 锚定效应 (anchoring): First piece of information sets the reference point
• 第一印象往往影响人们对后续信息的判断。
• 从众心理 (herd mentality): Following the crowd without independent thought
• 在社交媒体时代，从众心理更容易被放大。
• 先入为主 (preconception): Judging before examining fully
• 不要先入为主地认为某种文化就是...

Generalisation structures

• 倾向于 + verb → X tends to
• 人类大脑倾向于寻找规律，即便规律并不存在。
• 容易产生 + noun → easily gives rise to
• 信息茧房容易产生确认偏误。

Using these in critical analysis

When analysing media or arguments, identify the bias at work:

• 该报道存在明显的确认偏误倾向。
• 这一论点反映了典型的刻板印象思维。