СOGNITIVE BIASES IN DECISION-MAKING AS A SCIENTIFIC PROBLEM AND APPLIED TECHNIQUE

Abstract

The article reveals the essence of a new scientific approach in Russian psychology – research into cognitive biases in the process of decision-making. As a matter of fact, this research taps into errors and biases in professional intuition of experts of various types and levels – judges, policy makers, teachers, army officers, police investigators, doctors, pilots, etc. We suggest studying cognitive biases from the perspective of individual differences and also with emphasis at the ability to overcome them. A measurement tool to assess the individual ability to overcome cognitive biases is described. Results are given of a complex research into relationship among various cognitive biases, as well as testing for a single latent factor of cognitive biases comparable to IQ. Results are analyzed from two standpoints, as new scientific data and as a new applied technique. Implementation opportunities are suggested involving various groups of experts (doctors, police officers, traffic superintendents) to increase accuracy and rationality in their professional decision-making.