---
title: "Cognitive Biases — AP Psychology Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Cognitive biases are systematic errors in thinking caused by mental shortcuts. See how they link Unit 5 heuristics to Unit 9 attribution errors on the AP exam."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/cognitive-biases"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Psychology"
---

# Cognitive Biases — AP Psychology Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Cognitive biases are systematic errors in thinking and decision-making that occur as a result of simplified mental shortcuts or faulty reasoning. They can influence our perceptions, judgments, and behaviors without us even realizing it.

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Confirmation Bias](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/confirmation-bias): This bias refers to our tendency to seek out information that confirms our preexisting beliefs or expectations.
- [Availability Heuristic](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/availability-heuristic): This bias occurs when we make judgments based on how easily examples come to mind rather than considering the actual probability.
- [Anchoring Bias](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/anchoring-bias): This bias happens when we rely too heavily on the first piece of information we receive when making subsequent judgments or decisions.