The thinking self has two systems helping with decision makings. System 1 is in charge of fast and intuitive decisions while system 2 is slow and analytical. None of them is better than the other. They both are needed for cognitive efficiency. Cognitive biases causes us to have systematic errors.
Understanding this aspect of decision making has made me realize the complexity of our brain. It is also able to create decisions when it is needed. Occasionally, we don’t have time to be slow and analytical, we have to be fast and intuitive. An activity that made me realize how these systems work is driving. In driving, you don’t have time to think, you have to be on your toes and have to act immediately. For system 2, navigating my routes before I drive it is important for me to Analyze the routes to get to my destination as fast as possible. System to helps me analyze the areas of traffic and congestion on the streets. Understanding cognitive biases has helped me try to understand more perspectives instead of jumping into conclusions. I have learned to put a guard against cognitive biases by listening to understand rather than to answer.
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