How We Know What Isn't So by Thomas Gilovich
The Fallibility of Human Reason in Everyday Life
This book examines why people frequently form and cling to false beliefs despite contrary evidence. Drawing on research in cognitive psychology and behavioral decision-making, it shows how confirmation bias, illusory correlation, misperception of randomness, and neglect of regression to the mean lead us to see patterns and causal stories where none exist, as in beliefs about streaks in sports and other everyday domains. It explores social consequences such as stereotypes and unwarranted confidence, and explains how poor feedback and selective exposure entrench error. The final chapters offer practical ways to make better judgments, emphasizing statistical literacy, disconfirming tests, and structured decision processes.
- Published
- 1991
- Nationality
- American
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 216-256
- Original Language
- English
- Avg User Rating
-
(4.0)
- Alternate Titles
- None
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