Mental Models
Mental models are the images, thoughts, ideas and beliefs that we form based on our experiences. These models are formed intentionally and unintentionally and can be based on real or… Continue Reading Mental Models
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Inoculation and Prebunking
A psychological framework derived in the 1960s that aims to induce pre-emptive resistance against unwanted persuasion attempts. Papageorgis and McGuire (1961) explain: “A previous study … showed that strong initial… Continue Reading Inoculation and Prebunking
Health Belief Model
One of the original public health theories developed in the 1950s, this model suggests that people’s beliefs about health problems, perceived benefits of and barriers to action and self-efficacy explain… Continue Reading Health Belief Model
Fundamental Attribution Error
(or the over-attribution effect) People are often quick to draw conclusions about the attitudes and personalities of others, even when an external factor or cause may explain that behavior. Citations:… Continue Reading Fundamental Attribution Error
Dunning Kruger Effect
The Dunning Kruger effect is a cognitive bias, affecting people at all levels of intelligence, where people tend to overestimate their knowledge or ability in specific areas, especially new ones… Continue Reading Dunning Kruger Effect
Dual Coding Theory
People have different systems in their mind for processing information: one system for visual imagery and one for verbal communication. Visual and verbal communication are processed differently in the human… Continue Reading Dual Coding Theory
Diffusion of Innovation
Explains the pattern and speed at which ideas spread from their introduction to uptake in the wider society. Four elements influence the spread of the new idea: the innovation itself,… Continue Reading Diffusion of Innovation
Cultural Cognition
Refers to the tendency of individuals to conform their beliefs about disputed matters of fact (e.g., whether humans are causing global warming; whether the death penalty deters murder; whether gun… Continue Reading Cultural Cognition
Construal Level Theory
Describes the relationship between psychological distance and the extent to which people’s thinking (e.g., about objects and events) is abstract or concrete. The general idea is that the more distant… Continue Reading Construal Level Theory
Availability Bias
We use mental shortcuts when judging how likely or frequently an event will happen, because we tend to remember our most recent experience and therefore we put more value on… Continue Reading Availability Bias