Specimen family n = 14

Perceptual Biases

Perceptual biases are systematic errors in how we perceive and interpret the world around us. These biases often result in distortions of reality, leading to misunderstandings, faulty judgments, or illusions. Our brain's tendency to filter and prioritize certain types of information over others can cause us to draw incorrect conclusions or see things that are not truly there. By identifying and understanding these biases, we can work towards a more accurate and balanced perception of the world, improving our decision-making and interactions with others.
Fundamental Attribution Error You overemphasize personal characteristics and ignore situational factors in judging others' behavior. 71 · High FAE Contrast Effect What you just saw rewrites what this feels like - so the same person, price, or performance can look cheap, harsh, or dull against a different backdrop. 54 · Mild CE Source Confusion You remember the content but misfile where it came from - seen, heard, imagined, or inferred get swapped. 55 · Mild SC Reactance Bias When choice feels threatened, the forbidden option gets more attractive - and you push back to reclaim freedom. 65 · Moderate RB Representativeness Heuristic (Conjunction Fallacy) You judge the probability of something based on how closely it matches a stereotype or prototype. 63 · Moderate RH Mere Exposure Effect Repeated contact can make something feel likable, safe, or "right" - even when you never compared it on merit. 59 · Moderate MEE Frequency Illusion Once something is on your mind, you start seeing it everywhere and treat those sightings as proof. 59 · Moderate FI Rosy Retrospection The past looks warmer than it felt at the time - memory keeps the highlight reel and loses the friction. 62 · Moderate RoR Trauma Lens Past harm can make a new situation feel dangerous before the current evidence shows that it is. 82 · Severe TL Fixed Self Illusion You treat yourself as one solid, permanent thing - and then let labels and self-ratings stick to it. 77 · Severe FSI Pareidolia A face, figure, or familiar shape shows up in noise, and the sighting feels like a finding. 51 · Mild Par Nocebo Effect Expecting harm makes the harm more likely, including symptoms you were only warned about. 64 · Moderate Noc Third-Person Effect A persuasive message seems like it will sway other people more than it sways you. 61 · Moderate TPE Hostile Media Effect People on both sides of a fight watch the same coverage and each side sees it as biased against them. 68 · High HmE