The out-group homogeneity effect refers to the idea that people view members of an out-group as less varied than members of their own in-group. This perspective forms the basis for stereotypes, which are generalized beliefs about a group of people. For instance, one might believe that all employees in a certain profession share the same…
Category: Cognitive Science
Social Contagion of Memory: Memory Conformity
Social contagion of memory, also known as memory conformity, refers to the process by which an individual’s memory becomes aligned with the memories or suggestions of others. This alignment may occur consciously or unconsciously and can lead to shared but potentially inaccurate memories across a group. The work on this topic suggest that through social influence, false or…
What is Behavioral Confirmation – Social Perception and Social Reality
Behavioral confirmation is a social psychological term that describes how people’s expectations about others can lead to the confirmation of those expectations through social interaction. This process implicates both the perceiver, who holds certain expectations, and the target, whose behavior may be influenced as a result. In the literature, the phenomenon of belief creating social reality is known…
Imagination Inflation: Memory’s Creative Expansion
Imagination inflation occurs when individuals develop greater confidence in the truth of an event after imagining it, potentially leading to the formation of false memories. The term often relates to childhood memories, as these are typically more malleable and susceptible to misconceptions. Several factors have been linked to an increase in the imagination inflation effect. Imagining a fictitious…
What is State-Dependent Memory: Context in Recall
State-dependent memory refers to when a person’s ability to recall information is influenced by their particular mental or physical state state at the time of encoding the memory. If the internal state during recall matches the state during encoding, retrieval of the memory is typically more successful. This cognitive psychology concept highlights the tight interplay…
The Atkinson-Shiffrin Model of Memory: Multi-store Memory
The Atkinson-Shiffrin model of memory, formulated by psychologists Richard Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin, offers a structured illustration of the human information processing system. First proposed in 1968, the model includes three main components: Sensory memory: A temporary repository that captures all sensory information, where most of it is lost unless attention is directed to it. Short-term store:…
What is Belief Perseverance Psychology: Stubborn Convictions
Belief perseverance (also called conceptual conservatism) is the tendency for people to hold on to their existing beliefs, even when those beliefs are discredited by new information or evidence. This phenomenon is particularly significant in the face of evidence that should logically challenge the belief, showcasing the strength and tenacity of pre-held notions. For example, a…
The Curse of Knowledge Bias – Ignorance is Bliss?
The curse of knowledge is a cognitive bias that occurs when an individual who is privy to specific information finds it difficult to envision what it’s like not to possess this knowledge. This bias can lead to miscommunication, as the informed individual may overestimate others’ understanding. Cognitive scientists recognize it as a barrier to perspective-taking…
What is Observer Bias in Research
Observer bias, a form of detection bias, manifests in observational studies when the individuals conducting the research subtly influence the results based on their own expectations and beliefs. It is a type of cognitive bias that can affect the objectivity of an observation, leading to inaccuracies that may invalidate the research. Observation is crucial for scientific study and activity, and as such,…