Scientific Definition
Most biases are efficient heuristics misapplied.
Plain-English Definition
Most biases are efficient heuristics misapplied.
Feynman Explanation
The brain is energy-efficient first, accurate second.
Core Principle
Most biases are efficient heuristics misapplied.
Mechanisms
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Most biases are efficient heuristics misapplied.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Inputs (Triggers)
Pending editorial review.
Outputs (Behaviors)
Pending editorial review.
Behavioral Signature
The brain is energy-efficient first, accurate second.
Examples
- Why fast judgments often work — and why they sometimes don't.
- Bias awareness rooted in mechanism, not labels.
Pending editorial review.
Famous Experiments
Pending editorial review.
Design Principles
- Process beats awareness. Build decision systems that don't depend on overriding biology.
Measurement Approaches
Pending editorial review.
Evidence
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
The Perverse Incentive Lens™
How this behavior is exploited — and how to redesign around it.
- Process beats awareness. Build decision systems that don't depend on overriding biology.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Interactive Mini Network
Click any neighbor to re-center the graph and follow the threads of connection.
Knowledge Graph Neighbors
Auto-linked to the rest of the Human Behavior Taxonomy by family, domain, dimension, and shared keywords.
Working memory has limits.
Pausing System 1 to engage System 2.
Brain region tracking conflict, error, and effort.
Boredom triggers creative wandering.
Cognitive performance varies predictably with circadian rhythm.
Familiar information feels true.
Brain network active during rest and mind-wandering — and during creative insight.
Glucose, omega-3s, sleep, and hydration each influence decision quality.
Self-control draws from a limited daily pool. (Contested in lab; observed in life.)
Thinking happens through the body, not despite it.
Aerobic exercise measurably improves executive function.
Neurological state of peak performance and engagement.