Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/5777
Title: The mechanism of the Einstellung (set) effect: A pervasive source of cognitive bias
Authors: Bilalić, M
McLeod, P
Gobet, F
Keywords: Cognitive bias;Einstellung (set) effect;Problem solving;Chess;Expertise
Issue Date: 2010
Publisher: Sage Publications
Citation: Current Directions in Psychological Science, 19 (2): 111-115, May 2010
Abstract: The eye movements of expert players trying to solve a chess problem show that the first idea that comes to mind directs attention towards sources of information consistent with itself and away from inconsistent information. This bias continues unconsciously even when the player believes he is looking for alternatives. The result is that alternatives to the first idea are ignored. This mechanism for biasing attention ensures a speedy response in familiar situations but it can lead to errors when the first thought that comes to mind is not appropriate. We propose that this mechanism is the source of many cognitive biases from phenomena in problem solving and reasoning, to perceptual errors and failures in memory.
Description: Copyright @ The Authors 2010
URI: http://cdp.sagepub.com/content/19/2/111.abstract
http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/5777
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0963721410363571
ISSN: 0963-7214
Appears in Collections:Psychology
Dept of Life Sciences Research Papers

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