Unit 2 - Lesson 2

AP Psychology Lesson: Biases and Errors in Thinking

Unit: Cognition | Lesson: 2 of 6 | Topic: Biases and Errors in Thinking
AP Exam Weighting: 15%–25% of exam score 
Instructions: Complete this lesson during class by filling in the blanks and answering questions. All information needed is provided or will be researched in class. This lesson prepares you for the AP Psychology exam by exploring how cognitive biases influence behavior, a key concept in cognition. Use the provided spaces to write your answers clearly, focusing on applying concepts critically.

Warm-Up

Purpose: Get you thinking about how thinking errors affect decisions.
Questions:

1. Have you ever made a quick judgment about someone that turned out to be wrong?
2. Why might someone overestimate their ability to complete a task?
   Your Answers: Write a short response (1–2 sentences) for each question.
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Key Concepts

Instructions: Read the information below and answer the questions to learn core AP concepts. For definitions, write them in your own words based on the content or look up a different definition if directed by your teacher (e.g., via apa.org or Google Scholar).
Content: Cognitive biases are systematic errors in thinking that affect decisions. The confirmation bias leads people to favor information supporting their beliefs (e.g., ignoring evidence against a favored team). The availability heuristic causes overestimation of events based on vivid memories (e.g., fearing plane crashes after news reports). The hindsight bias makes outcomes seem obvious after they occur (e.g., “I knew it all along” after a game). Functional fixedness limits seeing alternative uses for objects (e.g., using a shoe only as footwear). Example: A student overestimates exam success due to the availability heuristic, recalling only past successes. Biases can lead to poor decisions, like misjudging risks. Emotional states and social pressures amplify biases, affecting behaviors like voting or spending.

1. Define cognitive bias in your own words: _______________________________
2. Define confirmation bias in your own words: _______________________________
3. Define availability heuristic in your own words: _______________________________
4. Explain how the hindsight bias influences a behavior, using a specific example:

5. Explain how functional fixedness influences a behavior, using a different example:

6. How do cognitive biases affect decision-making in social situations?

7. Why might emotional states amplify cognitive biases?

8. How could the availability heuristic lead to a risky behavior?

Guided Activity

Instructions: Work in pairs to complete the two tasks below. Write your answers and be prepared to share one key point from each task with the class.
Task 1: Scenario Analysis: Scenario: A student assumes they’ll ace a test because they did well last time, ignoring their lack of preparation. Analyze how the availability heuristic and confirmation bias contribute to this behavior. For example, consider how vivid memories or selective focus shape their judgment.
Your Response for Task 1: Explain the role of each bias in the behavior.

Class Share for Task 1: Note one point you’ll share.

Task 2: Case Application: Imagine a manager who overlooks a qualified candidate due to a negative first impression. Apply the concepts of confirmation bias and hindsight bias to explain their decision. For example, evaluate how initial beliefs or post-decision rationalization affect their choice.
Your Response for Task 2: Apply the concepts to explain the manager’s decision.

Class Share for Task 2: Note one point you’ll share.

Class Assignment  – Refer to this unit’s assignment to complete it.

Instructions: Read the study summaries below and answer the questions. If directed by your teacher, use a classroom device to find a related study (e.g., via apa.org or Google Scholar) to deepen your analysis.
Study Summary 1: A 2018 study found that people were more likely to believe news aligning with their political views, demonstrating confirmation bias in media consumption.
Question 1: How does this study show the impact of confirmation bias on behavior, and what might influence its strength?

Study Summary 2: A 2020 study showed that individuals overestimated the likelihood of rare events (e.g., shark attacks) after vivid media coverage, reflecting the availability heuristic.
Question 2: Evaluate how this study illustrates the availability heuristic’s effect on behavior, and suggest one factor that might reduce its impact.

AP Exam Connection: This practices analyzing and evaluating research, a key skill for FRQs.

AP Exam Practice

Instructions: Answer the question below. We’ll review answers as a class to learn exam strategies.
Free-Response Question (FRQ):
Explain how confirmation bias, availability heuristic, and hindsight bias interact to influence a specific behavior (e.g., decision-making, risk assessment, or social judgment). Provide one example for each factor (confirmation bias, availability heuristic, hindsight bias) and analyze how they interact to shape the behavior.

Closure

Instructions: Write a brief summary (2–3 sentences) of two key ideas you learned today about how cognitive biases influence behavior.

Extended Practice

Instructions: Complete the tasks below based on today’s lesson to reinforce AP skills.

1. Review your answers from this lesson.
2. Write a detailed paragraph (5–7 sentences) applying today’s topic to a real-life behavior (e.g., how biases affect your choices in school or social media). Include references to confirmation bias, availability heuristic, and hindsight bias, and explain their interaction.

3. Find a short article or study on cognitive biases and behavior (e.g., via apa.org) and write 2–3 sentences summarizing its relevance to today’s lesson. Cite the source (e.g., website or article title).