Illusory Correlation: How We Perceive False Connections

Illusory correlation is the process of detecting a relationship between variables (usually individuals, events, or actions) when none exists. A mistaken connection may be created because infrequent or novel occurrences are more prominent and, hence, attract one’s attention. It is different from the correlation fallacy. Key features of illusory correlation include: Implicit Assumptions: Individuals often…

Published

What is a Dark Empath Personality Type?

The term dark empath refers to individuals who exhibit traits typically associated with empathy, such as the ability to resonate with others’ emotions, while simultaneously displaying characteristics linked to the Dark Triad of personality — narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism. These individuals demonstrate what is known as cognitive empathy, the intellectual capacity to perceive what another…

Published

Hard-Easy Effect and It’s Cognitive Underpinnings

The Hard–Easy Effect represents a cognitive bias where individuals tend to overestimate their chances of success in tasks they perceive as difficult, and underestimate in those they find easy. It illustrates how subjective perceptions of task difficulty warp one’s confidence levels, distorting the accuracy of one’s predictions regarding outcomes. It shares similarities with other cognitive biases such…

Published

The Difference Between Psychologist and Psychiatrist

Psychologists complete an extensive academic program, typically earning a doctoral degree in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), which includes research and clinical practice. Psychiatrists are medical doctors, meaning they have attended medical school and obtained an M.D. or D.O., and their training strongly focuses on psychiatry as a major component of medicine. Psychiatrists’ training qualifies them…

Published

Survivorship Bias and Hidden Success Traps

Survivorship bias is a type of logical error that occurs when a person draws a conclusion from a set of data that includes only surviving observations or participants, disregarding those that did not make it to the end of the process. This bias, which is a form of selection bias, can lead to incorrect conclusions because the results may not accurately…

Published

What is the Serial Position Effect – Order and Primacy

The serial position effect refers to the phenomenon where an individual’s ability to recall items on a list is influenced by the item’s position within that list. Generally, items at the beginning (primacy effect) and end (recency effect) of a list are remembered more frequently than those in the middle. Primacy Effect: Items early in the list…

Published

Egotistical vs Egocentric Self-Centered Behaviors

Egotism often manifests as an inflated sense of self-importance and is closely aligned with narcissism. It’s marked by an excessive fixation on one’s own abilities, achievements, and needs. This self-centered attitude can lead to a disregard for others’ feelings or circumstances. The egotistical person primarily sees the world through the lens of personal gain, and their opinions are heavily…

Published

What is Authority Bias – Expertise Influence

Authority bias is a cognitive bias that influences individuals to attribute greater accuracy to the opinion of an authority figure, regardless of the content. It is rooted in a deep-seated psychological response that equates authority with correctness. In many cases, people trust the judgments of an expert or leader, even when they have knowledge or…

Published

Self Love vs Narcissism: Love is Not Selfish

“To love what you are, the thing that is yourself, is just as if you were embracing a glowing red-hot iron” said psychonalyst Carl Jung. Some may argue this social media generation does not seem to struggle with loving themselves. But is the look-at-me-ism so easily found on TikTok and Instagram the kind of self-love…

Published