False Priors

• False Priors are biases that are based on false priors and assumptions.

• Agent Detection - the inclination to presume the purposeful intervention of a sentient or intelligent agent in situations that may or may not involve one.

• Automation Bias - the tendency to be over-reliant on automated aids and decision systems.

• Stereotypes - a generalized belief about a particular category of people, including expectations about a particular group.

  • Example: Expensive = Good
  • Once a label has been applied, people are less likely to notice the actual qualities or attributes of what is being labeled.
  • We stereotype even ourselves (Adams presents an exercise to demonstrate — think of labels that describe yourself. Spend an additional five minutes coming up with additional characteristics.)

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• Non Sequiturs - a more logical perspective of false priors.