By Definition
By Scenario
This, that, and the other
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Tie Breaker
100
This fallacy occurs when we believe future probabilities are affected by past events when in reality, they cannot be altered.
What is Gambler's Fallacy:
Example- "Greg is betting big on the Pups because they've lost 10 times in a row, so this losing streak is bound to end."
100
Andy decided to register for a course taught by a professor with mixed reviews over the same course taught by a new professor with no reviews.
What is Ambiguity Effect
Definition: We favor the known over the unknown.
100
Julia Galef refers to this this phenomenon in which our unconscious motivations, our desires and fears, shape the way we interpret information.
What is soldier mindset (motivated reasoning)
100
Curse of Knowledge
The curse of knowledge is a cognitive bias where experts mistakenly assume others share their level of understanding, leading to communication breakdowns and poor teaching. Once you know something, it is difficult to reimagine not knowing it. It results in over-complicated explanations, frustration, and empathy gaps
200
This fallacy occurs when we see people as more attractive in group than in isolation
What is Cheerleader Effect:
Example- "On her first date, Alex realizes that Blake looks different from his soccer team profile picture."
200
I am late due to traffic, unlike Emily, who is late due to laziness.
What is Fundamental Attribution Error
Definition: We attribute others' actions to their personality or character, but we attribute our own actions to our situation (outside of our control).
200
Derek Muller refers to this in the following clip:
What is Cognitive Ease
200
Declinism
Declinism is the cognitive bias or belief that a society, nation, or institution is in a state of unavoidable decline, often romanticizing the past while viewing the present and future negatively. It is driven by negativity bias, rosy retrospection, and sensationalized news, leading to pessimistic predictions that often overlook actual progress or improvements.
300
This fallacy occurs when we tend to overestimate how many people agree with our attitudes, beliefs, and behavior.
What is False Consensus Effect
Example- "Andy is certain that everyone loved the show, too".
300
Mia must be well-spoken and nice because she looks so beautiful and elegant.
What is Halo Effect
Definition- Our overall impression of a person influences how we feel and think about their character.
300
Satire and parody: presenting humorous but false stories as if they are true. Although not usually categorized as fake news, this may unintentionally fool readers. These are forms of...
What is misinformation
Definition: false information that is shared either with or without the intention to deceive others.
300
Reactance
Reactance bias is the urge to do the opposite of what is requested or recommended, arising when a person feels their freedom of choice is threatened or restricted. This motivational state drives individuals to regain their autonomy, often by engaging in the forbidden behavior or rejecting advice.
400
This fallacy occurs when we increasingly believe in something due to repeated public exposure, and then we help to spread it further.
What is Availability Cascade
Example- "Urban legends such as razor blades in Halloween candies led to endless media coverage and public panic"
400
Clara likes to hire younger men because she thinks they are more technologically savvy.
What is Unconscious Bias (will also accept stereotyping)
Definition: We unconsciously attribute prejudices or unsupported beliefs in favor (or against) another person or group of people
400
This is the third rule of misinformation
What is 'wrap it around a kernel of truth'
Rule No. 3, wrap that lie around a kernel of truth. “Propaganda is most effective when there’s a little bit of truth in it.” “The most successful operations of that kind contain some truthful element so that the disinformation is eventually accepted as a whole.”
400
Black or White (False Cause) (False Dilemma)
This is an informal fallacy that incorrectly limits options to only two extreme, opposing choices, ignoring other viable alternatives. It is a manipulative tactic that creates a false binary, forcing a choice between two extremes when a spectrum of possibilities exists
500
This fallacy occurs when others' high (or low) expectations of a person's performance influences that person's actual performance.
What is Pygmalion Effect (Rosenthal Effect)
Example- "You are brave and courageous. Channeling her mom's words, Khloe won the competition."
500
Betty shakes her head as she drives past the accident, certain it was due to drunk driving.
What is Defensive Attribution
Definition: When we witness a negative event, we tend to assign a controllable cause to it so we can feel less vulnerable.
500
This is based on fact but taken out of context to mislead, harm, or manipulate
What is Malinformation
(misinformation is done without intent while both disinformation and malinformation are done with intent but malinformation is when this is done based on a 'kernel' of truth)
500
Framing Effect:
The framing effect is a cognitive bias where people react differently to information depending on whether it is presented positively (as a gain) or negatively (as a loss). It shows that how information is "framed"—or presented—matters more than the actual facts, often leading to irrational decisions
500
Useful Idiot
"Useful idiots" is a pejorative, often political, term describing naive or misinformed people who are manipulated into promoting a cause or agenda they don't fully understand. While believing they are fighting for a righteous cause, they unwittingly serve the interests of, or are exploited by, more cynical leaders.