Cognitive Bias Modification
Cognitive Biases are shortcuts – patterns we use to attribute cause and intention to occurrences and select what to pay attention to and what to remember about our surroundings and our experiences. Cognitive biases are learned mechanisms, often based upon experiences we accumulate in childhood and adolescence. They help us make decisions rapidly, and typically keep us safe from potential harm. However, cognitive biases can also hinder us in new, positive interactions with others, because we may see harm and ill-intent where there is none. Biases, once established, have a tendency to self-perpetuate (“seeing what we want to see”), for which reason modifying them can be very helpful and sometimes necessary for personal growth. A central component of my research focuses on the modification of cognitive biases and the associated emotional and social consequences for children and adults.