We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Timothy Kenny
In this course, you'll learn a collection of cognitive biases that will improve your critical thinking skills.
What is critical thinking?
It starts with the word critic...meaning to criticize.
Critical thinking is about taking a skeptical look at anything you hear or read.
It's about checking things out before assuming they are true.
A good analogy is the antivirus scanner on your computer.
It download millions of "signatures" from the company who creates the software.
Read more
In this course, you'll learn a collection of cognitive biases that will improve your critical thinking skills.
What is critical thinking?
It starts with the word critic...meaning to criticize.
Critical thinking is about taking a skeptical look at anything you hear or read.
It's about checking things out before assuming they are true.
A good analogy is the antivirus scanner on your computer.
It download millions of "signatures" from the company who creates the software.
Read more
In this course, you'll learn a collection of cognitive biases that will improve your critical thinking skills.
What is critical thinking?
It starts with the word critic...meaning to criticize.
Critical thinking is about taking a skeptical look at anything you hear or read.
It's about checking things out before assuming they are true.
A good analogy is the antivirus scanner on your computer.
It download millions of "signatures" from the company who creates the software.
Each signature is tested against each file that the software scans. If anything in the file matches one of the virus "signatures", that means it's a potentially dangerous file and will be quarantined.
Cognitive biases are similar.
In this course youll learn dozens of these "signatures" that will help you debias your thinking so that you are less likely to fall victim to a cognitive bias distorting your thinking.
This course is unlike any other course I've created.
Each lecture has a standard formula:
1. The name of the cognitive bias
2. Any other synonyms (alternate names) for the cognitive bias
3. A simple explanation of the bias
4. A real world example of the cognitive bias in action
5. Commentary on how the cognitive bias evolved to be adaptive to the environment, and how it may be related to other cognitive biases (if applicable)
Get ready to take your thinking skills to the next level.
See you on the inside,
Timothy
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/99wsv6/the
What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction (Cognitive Bias Vol 1 - Info Overwhelm Errors)
Introduction
Download the MP3s of All Lectures Here
Vol 1 - The Effects of Priming on Attention
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction (Cognitive Bias Vol 1 - Info Overwhelm Errors)
Introduction
Download the MP3s of All Lectures Here
Vol 1 - The Effects of Priming on Attention
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores a wide range of cognitive biases, offering learners a comprehensive toolkit for recognizing and mitigating flawed thinking patterns
Presents numerous cognitive biases with real-world examples, which can be useful for students seeking to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations
Provides insights into biases that can affect judgment and decision-making, potentially improving professional performance and reducing errors in high-stakes environments
Includes downloadable MP3s of all lectures, which caters to learners who benefit from auditory learning and allows for convenient on-the-go study
Offers commentary on how each cognitive bias evolved to be adaptive, which provides a deeper understanding of the origins and functions of these mental shortcuts
Touches on statistical fallacies such as the base rate fallacy and neglect of probability, which may require learners to seek additional resources for a complete understanding
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Comprehensive guide to cognitive biases
According to learners, this course offers a very comprehensive overview of a vast number of cognitive biases. Students appreciate the clear structure, with each lecture presenting a bias with its explanation, synonyms, examples, and evolutionary context. Many find the real-world examples particularly helpful for understanding complex concepts and applying them. While the sheer number of biases (140) is highlighted as a major strength, some reviewers mention feeling slightly overwhelmed or finding some explanations lacking sufficient depth for practical application beyond simple recognition. Overall, it's seen as a solid introduction that provides a broad vocabulary for critical thinking, though some feel it may require supplementary learning for deeper understanding and integration of the biases.
Excellent overview, but sometimes lacks depth.
"This course serves as a fantastic introduction to cognitive biases, giving you the vocabulary."
"While comprehensive in breadth, some explanations felt a bit superficial; I wished for more detail on practical application."
"It's great for getting the names and basic ideas, but for true mastery, you'll need to look elsewhere."
"A good starting point, but don't expect deep dives into the psychology behind each bias or how to consistently counteract them."
Insights applicable to real-life and work.
"I immediately started noticing these biases in my daily life and decision-making processes."
"The concepts are highly relevant for professionals looking to improve their analytical and critical thinking skills."
"Gave me practical tools to analyze information and arguments more effectively."
"I can see how applying these techniques will be beneficial in both personal and professional contexts."
Well-structured lectures with helpful examples.
"The format for each bias is very consistent and easy to follow: name, explanation, example."
"The examples provided are excellent and make the abstract concepts of biases much more relatable and understandable."
"I really liked how each bias was explained with a real-world scenario."
"The structure is logical and easy to digest, breaking down complex ideas into manageable chunks."
Covers a wide array of cognitive biases.
"The sheer volume of cognitive biases covered is astounding, offering a deep dive into human decision-making."
"I was amazed by the number of different biases introduced; I learned so many new terms and concepts."
"This course lists an incredible amount of biases (140!). It's the most comprehensive list I've found."
"Learned about so many different cognitive biases I wasn't even aware of before."
The large number of biases can feel overwhelming.
"Covering 140 biases means many are only briefly touched upon, which can feel like information overload."
"It's a lot to take in! Sometimes it felt a bit repetitive listing bias after bias."
"The sheer volume can make it hard to retain all the information without dedicated review and practice."
"Wish there was more synthesis on how biases relate or how to apply techniques across groups of biases."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in The Ultimate Guide to Critical Thinking (140 Techniques) with these
activities:
Thinking, Fast and Slow
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of cognitive biases by exploring the dual-system model of thinking.
View
Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of 'Thinking, Fast and Slow'.
-
Read the book, focusing on System 1 and System 2 thinking.
-
Relate the concepts to the biases covered in the course.
Review Basic Statistics Concepts
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding of statistical concepts to better grasp biases related to probability and sample size.
Browse courses on
Statistical Significance
Show steps
-
Review key statistical terms and concepts.
-
Practice calculating basic probabilities.
-
Familiarize yourself with hypothesis testing.
Create a Cognitive Bias Cheat Sheet
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of the cognitive biases by creating a concise reference guide.
Show steps
-
Review the cognitive biases covered in the course.
-
Summarize each bias in a few sentences.
-
Include real-world examples for each bias.
-
Organize the cheat sheet for easy reference.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Bias Identification Exercises
Show steps
Improve your ability to recognize cognitive biases in real-world scenarios through targeted exercises.
Show steps
-
Find articles or news stories online.
-
Identify potential cognitive biases present.
-
Explain how the bias might influence interpretation.
Write a Blog Post on a Cognitive Bias
Show steps
Deepen your understanding by explaining a specific cognitive bias to a broader audience.
Show steps
-
Select a cognitive bias from the course.
-
Research the bias and its implications.
-
Write a blog post explaining the bias in simple terms.
-
Include examples and practical advice.
Analyze a Decision-Making Process
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of cognitive biases to analyze a real-world decision-making process and identify potential pitfalls.
Show steps
-
Choose a significant decision you or someone else made.
-
Document the steps taken in the decision-making process.
-
Identify potential cognitive biases that may have influenced the decision.
-
Suggest ways to mitigate these biases in future decisions.
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
Show steps
Explore the principles of persuasion to understand how cognitive biases can be exploited.
View
Influence, New and Expanded: The Psychology of...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of 'Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion'.
-
Read the book, focusing on the six principles of influence.
-
Relate these principles to the cognitive biases covered in the course.
Thinking, Fast and Slow
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of cognitive biases by exploring the dual-system model of thinking.
View
Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of 'Thinking, Fast and Slow'.
- Read the book, focusing on System 1 and System 2 thinking.
- Relate the concepts to the biases covered in the course.
Review Basic Statistics Concepts
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding of statistical concepts to better grasp biases related to probability and sample size.
Browse courses on
Statistical Significance
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review key statistical terms and concepts.
- Practice calculating basic probabilities.
- Familiarize yourself with hypothesis testing.
Create a Cognitive Bias Cheat Sheet
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of the cognitive biases by creating a concise reference guide.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the cognitive biases covered in the course.
- Summarize each bias in a few sentences.
- Include real-world examples for each bias.
- Organize the cheat sheet for easy reference.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Bias Identification Exercises
Show steps
Improve your ability to recognize cognitive biases in real-world scenarios through targeted exercises.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find articles or news stories online.
- Identify potential cognitive biases present.
- Explain how the bias might influence interpretation.
Write a Blog Post on a Cognitive Bias
Show steps
Deepen your understanding by explaining a specific cognitive bias to a broader audience.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a cognitive bias from the course.
- Research the bias and its implications.
- Write a blog post explaining the bias in simple terms.
- Include examples and practical advice.
Analyze a Decision-Making Process
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of cognitive biases to analyze a real-world decision-making process and identify potential pitfalls.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a significant decision you or someone else made.
- Document the steps taken in the decision-making process.
- Identify potential cognitive biases that may have influenced the decision.
- Suggest ways to mitigate these biases in future decisions.
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
Show steps
Explore the principles of persuasion to understand how cognitive biases can be exploited.
View
Influence, New and Expanded: The Psychology of...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of 'Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion'.
- Read the book, focusing on the six principles of influence.
- Relate these principles to the cognitive biases covered in the course.
Career center
Learners who complete The Ultimate Guide to Critical Thinking (140 Techniques) will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Intelligence Analyst
Intelligence Analyst
The Intelligence Analyst gathers and analyzes information to identify threats and provide insights to decision-makers. They often work for government agencies, law enforcement, or private security firms. This course, with its focus on identifying and mitigating cognitive biases, is highly relevant to this role. Understanding biases such as the anecdotal fallacy, the clustering illusion, and the confirmation bias helps to ensure objective and accurate assessments of intelligence data. This course strengthens the critical thinking skills necessary to excel as an Intelligence Analyst.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
A Policy Analyst researches and analyzes public policies, assesses their impact, and recommends improvements or new policies. This work requires evaluating complex social, economic, and political issues. This course, with its in-depth exploration of cognitive biases, helps the Policy Analyst identify potential flaws in policy proposals and avoid unintended consequences. By understanding biases such as the normalcy bias, the negativity bias, or the ostrich effect, one is better equipped to develop well-reasoned and effective policy recommendations. This course builds a foundation in critical thinking.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Manager
The Human Resources Manager oversees employee relations, recruitment, and training within an organization. The role requires strong interpersonal skills, an understanding of employment law, and an awareness of potential biases in hiring and performance evaluations. This course, with its detailed analysis of cognitive biases, helps the Human Resources Manager identify and mitigate biases that can lead to unfair treatment or discrimination. Understanding biases such as the halo effect, the in-group bias, or stereotyping helps to create a more equitable and inclusive workplace. The Ultimate Guide to Critical Thinking (140 Techniques) may promote fair management.
Management Consultant
Management Consultant
A Management Consultant advises organizations on how to improve their performance and efficiency. Engagements may include analyzing business operations, identifying problems, and recommending solutions. This work requires strong critical thinking to assess complex situations and develop effective strategies. This course, rich with techniques to improve critical thinking skills, helps the Management Consultant approach problems with a more skeptical and analytical mindset. By understanding biases such as functional fixedness, the focusing effect, or the planning fallacy, one is better equipped to provide objective and insightful advice.
Judge
Judge
A Judge presides over court proceedings, interprets the law, and makes legal rulings. The role demands impartiality, sound judgment, and the ability to critically evaluate evidence and arguments. This course, with its detailed exploration of cognitive biases, helps the Judge avoid biases that could compromise fairness and objectivity. Understanding biases such as the anchoring effect, the confirmation bias, or the in-group bias allows one to make more informed decisions. A Judge typically needs many years of experience as a lawyer. The Ultimate Guide to Critical Thinking (140 Techniques) may promote more impartial judgments.
Business Intelligence Analyst
Business Intelligence Analyst
The Business Intelligence Analyst transforms data into actionable insights. This includes gathering and analyzing data from various sources, identifying trends, and creating reports to inform business decisions. This course, with its focus on identifying and understanding cognitive biases, helps the Business Intelligence Analyst ensure the accuracy and reliability of their analyses. Recognizing and mitigating biases like the availability heuristic or the base rate fallacy can lead to more objective and data-driven recommendations. The Ultimate Guide to Critical Thinking (140 Techniques) sharpens the analytical skills needed to excel in this role.
Journalist
Journalist
A Journalist investigates and reports on current events to inform the public. The profession requires strong research skills, the ability to critically evaluate sources, and an awareness of potential biases. This course, with its detailed examination of cognitive biases, helps the Journalist avoid unintentional bias in their reporting. Learning to recognize biases such as the framing effect, the halo effect, or the self-relevance effect helps one to ensure fair and objective journalism. The Ultimate Guide to Critical Thinking (140 Techniques) may improve the credibility and impact of reporting.
Negotiator
Negotiator
A Negotiator mediates disputes and facilitates agreements between parties. It requires strong communication skills, the ability to understand different perspectives, and an awareness of cognitive biases that can affect negotiations. This course, filled with techniques to improve critical thinking skills, helps the Negotiator identify and address biases that may impede progress. Understanding biases such as reactive devaluation, the framing effect, or the zero sum bias can lead to more successful outcomes. This course builds a foundation for effective negotiation strategies.
Editor
Editor
An Editor reviews and revises written material to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency. Work may be in publishing, journalism, or corporate communications. This course, filled with techniques to improve critical thinking, helps the Editor identify and correct errors in logic, reasoning, and factual accuracy. Understanding biases such as the curse of knowledge, the illusion of transparency, or the spotlight effect, one is better equipped to ensure that content is clear, concise, and accessible to a wide audience. The Ultimate Guide to Critical Thinking (140 Techniques) sharpens one's eye for detail and strengthens the ability to critically evaluate written work.
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analyst
A Market Research Analyst identifies and analyzes market trends. This work involves assessing consumer behavior and competitor strategies to advise companies on product development, marketing campaigns, and pricing strategies. This course, filled with techniques to improve critical thinking skills, helps a Market Research Analyst evaluate raw data, identify biases, and interpret findings accurately. Understanding biases such as confirmation bias or the framing effect helps to ensure objective analysis and insightful reports. The Ultimate Guide to Critical Thinking (140 Techniques) may also improve communication of research findings by understanding how those findings may be misconstrued.
Product Manager
Product Manager
The Product Manager guides the strategy, roadmap, and feature definition for a product or product line. This involves analyzing market trends, understanding customer needs, and prioritizing development efforts. This course, with its focus on identifying and understanding cognitive biases, helps the Product Manager avoid common pitfalls such as the planning fallacy, the pro-innovation bias, or the sunk cost fallacy. Also, understanding the customer's potential biases may help to increase sales. The Ultimate Guide to Critical Thinking (140 Techniques) sharpens the critical thinking skills needed to make informed product decisions.
Lawyer
Lawyer
A Lawyer advises clients on legal matters, represents them in court, and drafts legal documents. The profession requires strong analytical skills, the ability to construct logical arguments, and an awareness of potential biases. This course helps the Lawyer critically evaluate evidence, identify weaknesses in opposing arguments, and construct persuasive arguments. Understanding biases such as the authority bias, the outcome bias, or the hindsight bias helps to ensure a more objective and effective legal strategy. This course may improve critical thinking skills, which are essential for success in the legal profession. Many lawyers hold advanced degrees.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist uses statistical methods and machine learning techniques to extract knowledge and insights from structured and unstructured data. The work involves designing experiments, developing algorithms, and visualizing data to solve complex problems. This course helps the Data Scientist minimize biases in data interpretation and algorithm development. Learning about biases like the clustering illusion and insensitivity to sample size helps to ensure that models are robust and results are reliable. This course provides a foundation for building strong analytical and critical thinking skills needed for success in this career.
Investment Banker
Investment Banker
An Investment Banker advises companies on raising capital through the issuance of stocks and bonds, as well as mergers and acquisitions. This work involves analyzing market conditions, valuing companies, and negotiating deals. This course helps the Investment Banker critically evaluate financial models, market forecasts, and deal terms. Knowledge of biases such as confirmation bias or the framing effect helps to avoid overconfidence and make more rational decisions. Also, the banker may be well-served by understanding how the other side of the table may fall victim to such biases.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
The Financial Analyst assesses investment opportunities, manages financial risk, and provides recommendations to organizations or individuals. Their work includes analyzing financial statements, market trends, and economic indicators to make informed decisions. This course may help the Financial Analyst avoid cognitive biases that can lead to poor investment choices. Understanding biases such as anchoring, the money illusion, or the gambler's fallacy can improve objectivity and decision making. The Ultimate Guide to Critical Thinking (140 Techniques) empowers one to approach financial analysis with a more skeptical and discerning eye.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/99wsv6/the
Reading list
We've selected two books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
The Ultimate Guide to Critical Thinking (140 Techniques).
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of cognitive biases and heuristics that influence our decision-making. It introduces the concepts of System 1 (fast, intuitive thinking) and System 2 (slow, deliberate thinking), which are crucial for understanding how biases affect our judgment. Reading this book will provide a strong foundation for recognizing and mitigating cognitive biases discussed in the course. It is highly recommended as additional reading to deepen your understanding of the subject.
Explores the psychology of persuasion and influence, providing insights into how people are influenced by various factors. Understanding these principles can help you recognize and resist manipulation tactics that exploit cognitive biases. It offers a practical perspective on how biases can be used to influence behavior, making it a valuable resource for critical thinkers. This book is best used as additional reading to expand on the course materials.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/99wsv6/the
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser