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Ntoskrnl.exe BSoD: What is & How to fix it? Discover expert BSoD solutions tested by our team5
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The chúng tôi BSoD happens when a driver
accesses the paged memory at DISPATCH_LEVEL.
The easiest way to get rid of this error is by installing a third-party system restoration tool.
Make sure your operating system and hardware drivers are up to date.
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INSTALL BY CLICKING THE DOWNLOAD FILE
To fix Windows PC system issues, you will need a dedicated tool
Fortect is a tool that does not simply cleans up your PC, but has a repository with several millions of Windows System files stored in their initial version. When your PC encounters a problem, Fortect will fix it for you, by replacing bad files with fresh versions. To fix your current PC issue, here are the steps you need to take:
Download Fortect and install it on your PC.
Start the tool’s scanning process to look for corrupt files that are the source of your problem
Fortect has been downloaded by
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readers this month.
Windows 10 is filled with Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) reports and now it’s time to provide a fix for the one caused by the chúng tôi program.
Apparently, this is an IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL bug check problem which indicates that Microsoft Windows or a kernel-mode driver accessed paged memory at DISPATCH_LEVEL or above.
The explanation goes on like this:
This bug check is issued if paged memory (or invalid memory) is accessed when the IRQL is too high. The error that generates this bug check usually occurs after the installation of a faulty device driver, system service, or BIOS.
What is chúng tôi BSOD?This is a system file, and if the file is damaged or it has crashed, you’ll encounter a BSOD error. Do keep in mind that chúng tôi can also cause high CPU usage so it might be a good idea to check your hardware as well.
It has been reported that this file can also lead to Driver power state failure, so we encourage you to check your drivers and update them to avoid this issue.
In some instances, this file can also cause Critical_process_died chúng tôi BSoD, but luckily there are multiple solutions that you can use to fix this problem.
How do I fix chúng tôi missing or corrupt? 1. Use a third-party BSoD fixerFix any BSoD errors, including the chúng tôi BSoD IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL in Windows 10, automatically with the help of a nifty third-party program. The software will restore your damaged, corrupted, or missing system files.
2. Update your Realtek audio driver2. Expand the Sound, video and game controllers section.
4. Select the Search automatically for drivers option in order to update the driver.
5. Reboot your PC.
If you have been experiencing a similar chúng tôi BSoD DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE in Windows 10, you need to download the latest Realtek drivers.
It is possible that the Realtek HiDefinition Audio driver, labeled as Creative Audio Driver, is out of date and causing you issues.
Expert tip:
3. Update your computerNote: If your Windows search box is missing, get it back in a couple of easy steps from this useful guide.
4. Disable the overclocking settingsIf you installed overclocking software on your computer, this may explain why you’re getting the chúng tôi BSOD errors.
These game-boosting tools put a strain on your hardware, forcing them to run beyond the recommended frequency.
As a result, this may cause various issues, including Blue Screen of Death crashes. The quickest solution to fix them is to disable the overclocking software.
5. Turn off BlueStacks/ another Android emulatorNote: Some Windows 10 users reported that the ntoskrnl.exe BSOD errors occur mainly when they enabled BlueStacks and other Android emulators.
So, if you installed emulators on your computer, disable or completely uninstall them.
6. Clean your registry
Go to Start, then type CMD and open the top result as an admin.
Type in the following command and press Enter: sfc/scannow
Wait for the scanning process to complete, then, restart your computer.
You can also use Microsoft’s System File Checker to check for system file corruption. The utility verifies the integrity of all protected system files and repairs files with problems when possible.
Note: Corrupted or missing registry keys may also cause BSOD errors. Don’t forget to first back up your registry in case anything goes wrong.
The simplest way to repair your registry is to use a dedicated tool for Windows.
7. Check your disk for errors
Press Windows then type cmd and select the Run as administrator option.
Type the following command, replace the C letter with your drive’s letter, and press Enter: chkdsk C: /f
To repair physical issues, type the following command: chkdsk /r D:
On Windows 10, you can run a disk check using Command Prompt. As a quick reminder, if you do not use the /f parameter, chkdsk displays a message that the file needs to be fixed, but it does not fix any errors.
8. Fix bad memory issuesNote: Another common cause of chúng tôi BSOD errors is related to bad memory. Use Windows 10’s built-in memory diagnostic tool to identify potential memory issues affecting your system.
9. Remove faulty sticks of RAMSome Windows 10 users reported that the system_thread_exception_not_handled chúng tôi errors that they encountered were caused by a faulty stick of RAM.
So, if you recently changed the RAM configuration of your computer, check your RAM sticks to make sure that they’re properly inserted and are working as they should be.
Also, leave there any other suggestions or questions you may have and we’ll be sure to check them out.
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Timer_Or_Dpc_Invalid Bsod In Windows 10/11
Timer_or_dpc_invalid BSOD in Windows 10/11 [Complete Fix]
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The timer or DPC invalid blue screen of death error in Windows is triggered due to faulty external devices to outdated drivers.
Keeping your Windows 10 computer up to date can prevent system crashes and BSOD.
Run the system file checker tool to scan for system image health and apply required fixes.
Learn more such nifty troubleshooting steps to fix timer or DPC invalid error in Windows 10 below.
X
INSTALL BY CLICKING THE DOWNLOAD FILE
To fix Windows PC system issues, you will need a dedicated tool
Fortect is a tool that does not simply cleans up your PC, but has a repository with several millions of Windows System files stored in their initial version. When your PC encounters a problem, Fortect will fix it for you, by replacing bad files with fresh versions. To fix your current PC issue, here are the steps you need to take:
Download Fortect and install it on your PC.
Start the tool’s scanning process to look for corrupt files that are the source of your problem
Fortect has been downloaded by
0
readers this month.
Here at WindowsReport, we have shared several guides on dealing with different types of Blue Screen of Death errors.
The timer or dpc invalid is another BSOD error is another annoying problem that results in forceful reboots of the system.
The bugcheck value of 0x000000C7 indicates that a kernel timer or delayed procedure call is found somewhere where it is now allowed in the memory.
It can be triggered due to a problematic driver, outdated system file, or even disk issues.
In this article, we have compiled a list of possible solutions to help you effectively resolve the timer or dpc invalid error in Windows 10.
How do I fix the timer or dpc invalid BSOD error in Windows 10?The timer or dpc invalid chúng tôi blue screen of death error can occur due to a broken or faulty driver. Try updating the concerned driver manually or using the Outbyte Driver Updater utility.
Outbyte Driver Updater is a Windows program to update the system drivers as well as other external device drivers with ease. With its huge database of over 18 million drivers, you can quickly update one or multiple devices simultaneously.
With a clean user interface, you can manage all the drivers using the built-in driver manager. Outbyte Driver Updater also features a backup and update scheduler to automate the backup and update task.
Key features of Outbyte Driver Updater:
⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater
2. Perform a full scan for virus threatsMalware or virus attacks are one of the common reasons for the timer or dpc invalid BSOD error in Windows 10 computers. Make sure to run a full scan frequently to keep your system clean.
If you’re running a third-party antivirus, check the steps below.
2.1 Close third-party antivirus
Expert tip:
If you deduce the issue to be triggered due to your antivirus program, consider uninstalling the app. We recommend you switch to another antivirus solution that will not interfere with your system
You will be happy to know that the antivirus market doesn’t lack good options for all types of users. Just make sure to get an antivirus that is up to date so it works well with your OS and is able to detect and block all emerging threats.
It is also recommended to use a security tool that uses several types of shields to protect your device. This is why we recommend multi-layered protection tools that are able to detect malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and all sorts of new and old security threats.
Also, make sure that the system requirements of your AV of choice match your device. This shouldn’t be an issue for most users because modern-day antiviruses are designed to offer full protection while being very light on the system.
Keeping your Windows up to date is an excellent way to prevent the blue screen of death error due to hardware incompatibility and file corruption.
Windows updates usually offer minor glitch and bug fixes that may trigger BSOD errors.
4. Run a SFC scanThe SFC command will scan the protected system files and replace corrupted files with a cached copy located in a compressed folder.
As discussed earlier, do not close the command prompt window till the process is complete. Once done, reboot the computer and check if the timer or DPC invalid error is resolved.
5. Repair bad disk sectorsIf you have a PC with traditional hard drives, the disk may create bad areas over a longer period of usage. Disk errors are among the common reasons for the blue screen of death error.
There are many reasons why you would encounter the timer or DPC invalid BSOD error in Windows 10.
To help you diagnose and fix the problem, we have listed all the practical solutions to help you make the diagnosis easy.
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What Is Perception Bias?
Perception bias is the tendency to perceive ourselves and our environment in a subjective way. Although we like to think our judgment is impartial, we are, in fact, unconsciously influenced by our assumptions and expectations.
Example: Perception biasAfter a few weeks at your new job, you notice that some of your colleagues always go for after-work drinks on Fridays. It’s not an official team event, but each week the same person asks who’s joining and books a table. However, no one ever asks the older colleagues to join, assuming that they won’t be interested.
If left unchecked, perception bias can affect how we evaluate ourselves and others. As a result, we may form inaccurate impressions.This, in turn, can impact the quality of our decision-making.
What is perception bias?Perception bias is a broad term used to describe different situations in which we perceive inaccuracies in our environment. It is a type of cognitive bias that occurs when we subconsciously form assumptions or draw conclusions based on our beliefs, expectations, or emotions.
Perception bias works like a filter, helping us make sense of all the information we are exposed to in our surroundings. As a result, our perception of reality is often distorted. For example, this can cause us to unfairly label people or make inferences about their abilities on the basis of superficial observations or stereotypes.
Why does perception bias occur?Perception bias occurs because our perception is selective. Here, perception refers to the process of screening, selecting, organizing, and interpreting stimuli, such as words or objects, in order to give them meaning. Our brain chooses to hone in on one or very few stimuli out of the multitude of stimuli surrounding us. This is one way our brains differentiate between important and unimportant things.
Due to this, our perception of a given situation is not a photographic representation of reality. Rather, it is a unique representation, informed by objective information, our prior beliefs and expectations (called cognitive factors), and our hopes, desires, and emotions (called motivational factors). Motivational and cognitive factors are sometimes intertwined, but they can also function separately.
What are different types of perception bias?There are many types of bias that can influence our perceptions, whether of objects, others, or ourselves. Although there is no exhaustive list, the following are some common types of perception bias:
Visual Perception. When we look at something, our brains use the information available (like visual cues or prior experience) to make sense of an object. This means that our visual processing of faces can be biased. For example, a person’s group membership may lead us to view their face as untrustworthy. Negative attitudes and beliefs like outgroup bias can have an effect on our visual perception.
Self-perception. People are often biased in their self-perceptions, failing to assess themselves accurately. For example, people may take personal responsibility for successes while denying personal responsibility for failures (self-serving bias), or they may underestimate their performance and abilities, casting themselves in a more negative light (self-effacement bias). When comparing the self to others, people often commit what is known as the false consensus effect, believing that our opinions or behaviors are generalizable to the general population.
Perception bias examplesExample: Perception bias in the workplaceYou are the lead for an important project at work, and your manager asks you to present your progress to the executive board. You spend hours preparing the presentation with your team. After the presentation, your manager congratulates you for your progress and the presentation. In reply, you say “I worked really hard on this,” happy to take all the credit. Since you are the project lead, you believe this praise is fair. However, this is not entirely accurate because you worked as a team. This is an example of a type of perception bias called self-enhancement.
Selective perception bias can help explain why individuals with opposing views tend to find the same media coverage to be biased against them.
Example: Selective perception bias and the “hostile media effect”In one study, researchers took a sample of pro-Israeli, pro-Arab, and neutral college students. They asked them to watch the same set of televised news segments covering the Arab-Israeli conflict, broadcast nationally in the United States over a ten-day period.
Researchers found that each side saw the news coverage as biased in favor of the other side.
Pro-Arab students thought the news segments were generally biased in favor of Israel.
Pro-Israeli students thought the segments were generally biased against Israel.
Neutral students gave opinions that fell between the two groups.
They also found that these disagreements were not simply differences of opinion; they were differences in perception. In particular, pro-Arab and pro-Israeli students also differed in their perceptions of the number of favorable and unfavorable references that had been made about Israel during the news program.
Pro-Arab students reported that 42 percent of the references to Israel had been favorable, and only 26 percent had been unfavorable.
Pro-Israeli students recalled 57 percent of the references to Israel as having been unfavorable and only 16 percent as having been favorable.
The researchers concluded that individuals with strong preexisting attitudes on an issue perceive media coverage as unfairly biased against their side and in favor of their opponents’ point of view. This happens because when people become committed to a particular cause or opinion, their perceptions often change in order to remain consistent with this commitment.
How to reduce perception biasAlthough it is not possible to entirely eliminate perception bias, there are ways to reduce it. More specifically, when you make a decision or form an impression of someone, you can ask yourself the following questions:
Do I have a motive that makes me see things a certain way?
What are my expectations from this situation or decision?
Have I discussed my thoughts or opinions with people who don’t agree with me?
If you find yourself making absolute statements about others, using strong words like “always” or “all,” ask yourself how accurate this is, and whether you have evidence to back up your claim.
Other types of research bias Frequently asked questions about perception biasWhat is an everyday life example of perception bias?
A real-life example of perception bias is the false consensus effect. Because we spend most of our time with friends, family, and colleagues who share the same opinions or values we do, we are often misled to believe that the majority of people think or act in ways similar to us. This explains, for instance, why some people take office supplies home: they may genuinely feel that this behavior is more common than it really is.
Why is perception bias a problem?
Perception bias is a problem because it prevents us from seeing situations or people objectively. Rather, our expectations, beliefs, or emotions interfere with how we interpret reality. This, in turn, can cause us to misjudge ourselves or others. For example, our prejudices can interfere with whether we perceive people’s faces as friendly or unfriendly.
What is selective perception?
Selective perception is the unconscious process by which people screen, select, and notice objects in their environment. During this process, information tends to be selectively perceived in ways that align with existing attitudes, beliefs, and goals.
Although this allows us to concentrate only on the information that is relevant for us at present, it can also lead to perception bias. For example, while driving, if you become hyper-focused on reaching your exit on a highway, your brain may filter visual stimuli so that you can only focus on things you need to notice in order to exit the highway. However, this can also cause you to miss other things happening around you on the road.
Cite this Scribbr articleNikolopoulou, K. Retrieved July 19, 2023,
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What Is Critical Thinking?
Critical thinking is the ability to effectively analyze information and form a judgment.
To think critically, you must be aware of your own biases and assumptions when encountering information, and apply consistent standards when evaluating sources.
Critical thinking skills help you to:
Identify credible sources
Evaluate and respond to arguments
Assess alternative viewpoints
Test hypotheses against relevant criteria
Why is critical thinking important?Critical thinking is important for making judgments about sources of information and forming your own arguments. It emphasizes a rational, objective, and self-aware approach that can help you to identify credible sources and strengthen your conclusions.
Critical thinking is important in all disciplines and throughout all stages of the research process. The types of evidence used in the sciences and in the humanities may differ, but critical thinking skills are relevant to both.
In academic writing, critical thinking can help you to determine whether a source:
Is free from research bias
Provides evidence to support its research findings
Considers alternative viewpoints
Outside of academia, critical thinking goes hand in hand with information literacy to help you form opinions rationally and engage independently and critically with popular media.
Critical thinking examplesCritical thinking can help you to identify reliable sources of information that you can cite in your research paper. It can also guide your own research methods and inform your own arguments.
Outside of academia, critical thinking can help you to be aware of both your own and others’ biases and assumptions.
Academic examplesExample: Good critical thinking in an academic contextYou’re writing a research paper on recent innovations in diabetes treatments. You read an article that claims positive results for an at-home treatment that was recently developed. The results of the research are impressive, and the treatment seems to be groundbreaking.
However, when you compare the findings of the study with other current research, you determine that the results seem improbable. You analyze the paper again, consulting the sources it cites.
You notice that the research was funded by the pharmaceutical company that created the treatment. Because of this, you view its results skeptically and determine that more independent research is necessary to confirm or refute them.
Example: Poor critical thinking in an academic contextYou’re researching a paper on the impact wireless technology has had on developing countries that previously did not have large-scale communications infrastructure. You read an article that seems to confirm your hypothesis: the impact is mainly positive. Rather than evaluating the research methodology, you accept the findings uncritically.
In this instance, you have failed to engage with the source critically and have displayed confirmation bias in accepting its conclusions based on a belief you already held.
Nonacademic examplesExample: Good critical thinking in a nonacademic contextYou are thinking about upgrading the security features of your home. You want to install an alarm system but are unsure what brand is the most reliable. You search home improvement websites and find a five-star review article of an alarm system. The review is positive. The alarm seems easy to install and reliable.
However, you decide to compare this review article with consumer reviews on a different site. You find that these reviews are not as positive. Some customers have had problems installing the alarm, and some have noted that it activates for no apparent reason.
Example: Poor critical thinking in a nonacademic contextYou support a candidate in an upcoming election. You visit an online news site affiliated with their political party and read an article that criticizes their opponent. The article claims that the opponent is inexperienced in politics. You accept this without evidence, because it fits your preconceptions about the opponent.
In this case, you failed to look critically at the claims of the article and check whether they were backed up with evidence because you were already inclined to believe them.
Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.Try for free
How to think criticallyThere is no single way to think critically. How you engage with information will depend on the type of source you’re using and the information you need.
However, you can engage with sources in a systematic and critical way by asking certain questions when you encounter information. Like the CRAAP test, these questions focus on the currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose of a source of information.
When encountering information, ask:
Who is the author? Are they an expert in their field?
What do they say? Is their argument clear? Can you summarize it?
When did they say this? Is the source current?
Where is the information published? Is it an academic article? Is it peer-reviewed?
Why did the author publish it? What is their motivation?
How do they make their argument? Is it backed up by evidence? Does it rely on opinion, speculation, or appeals to emotion? Do they address alternative arguments?
Critical thinking also involves being aware of your own biases, not only those of others. When you make an argument or draw your own conclusions, you can ask similar questions about your own writing:
Am I only considering evidence that supports my preconceptions?
Is my argument expressed clearly and backed up with credible sources?
Would I be convinced by this argument coming from someone else?
Other interesting articlesIf you want to know more about ChatGPT, AI tools, citation, and plagiarism, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.
Frequently asked questions about critical thinking Cite this Scribbr articleRyan, E. Retrieved July 19, 2023,
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What Is An Interjection?
An interjection is a word or phrase used to express a feeling or to request or demand something. While interjections are a part of speech, they are not grammatically connected to other parts of a sentence.
Interjections are common in everyday speech and informal writing. While some interjections such as “well” and “indeed” are acceptable in formal conversation, it’s best to avoid interjections in formal or academic writing.
Examples: Interjections in a sentenceWow! That bird is huge.
Uh-oh. I forgot to get gas.
We’re not lost. We just need to go, um, this way.
Psst, what’s the answer to number four?
How are interjections used in sentences?Interjections add meaning to a sentence or context by expressing a feeling, making a demand, or emphasizing a thought.
Interjections can be either a single word or a phrase, and they can be used on their own or as part of a sentence.
Examples: Uses of interjections Phew!
Shoot, I’ve broken a nail.
Oh really? I didn’t know that.
As interjections are a grammatically independent part of speech, they can often be excluded from a sentence without impacting its meaning.
Examples: Sentences with and without interjections
Oh boy, I’m tired.
I’m tired.
Ouch! That hurts!
That hurts!
Primary interjectionsA primary interjection is a word or sound that can only be used as an interjection. Primary interjections do not have alternative meanings and can’t function as another part of speech (i.e., noun, verb, or adjective).
Primary interjections are typically just sounds without a clear etymology. As such, while they sometimes have standard spellings, a single interjection may be written in different ways (e.g., “um-hum” or “mm-hmm”).
Examples: Primary interjections in a sentenceUgh! That’s disgusting.
Um-hum. I think that could work.
We won the game. Yippee!
Secondary interjectionsA secondary interjection is a word that is typically used as another part of speech (such as a noun, verb, or adjective) that can also be used as an interjection.
Examples: Secondary interjections in a sentence
Goodness
! That was a close one.
Shoot! My flight has been canceled.
Awesome! Do that trick again.
Volitive interjectionsA volitive interjection is used to give a command or make a request. For example, the volitive interjection “shh” or “shush” is used to command someone to be quiet.
Examples: Volitive interjections in a sentenceShh! I can’t focus when you’re singing.
Psst. Pass me an eraser.
Ahem. Please pay attention.
Emotive interjectionsAn emotive interjection is used to express an emotion or to indicate a reaction to something. For example, the emotive interjection “ew” is used to express disgust.
Curse words, also called expletives, are commonly used (in informal contexts) as emotive interjections to express frustration or anger.
Examples: Emotive interjections in a sentenceEw. I’m not eating that.
Yay! I’m so excited to see you.
Yum! This apple pie is delicious.
Cognitive interjectionsA cognitive interjection is used to express a thought or indicate a thought process. For example, the cognitive interjection “um” can express confusion or indicate that the speaker is thinking.
Examples: Cognitive interjections in a sentenceUm, can you explain it once more?
Wow! I wasn’t expecting that.
Eureka! I’ve solved the puzzle.
Greetings and parting wordsGreetings and parting words/phrases are interjections used to acknowledge or welcome someone or to express good wishes at the end of a conversation.
Examples: Greetings and parting words/phrases in a sentenceHey!
Hello! It’s good to see you.
Bye!
See you soon! Drive safe.
Interjections and punctuationHow an interjection is punctuated depends on the context and the intensity of the emotion or thought being expressed.
Exclamation points are most commonly used along with interjections to emphasize the intensity of an emotion, thought, or demand.
When the emotion or thought being expressed is less extreme, an interjection can also be followed by a period. If an interjection is used to express uncertainty or to ask a question, it should be followed by a question mark.
Examples: Interjections and punctuationOh. I don’t know.
We’ve just won the lottery. Hurray!
Hmm?
When an interjection is used as part of a sentence, it should be set off from the rest of the sentence using commas.
Examples: Interjections within a sentenceHmm, how are we going to do this?
It was an interesting lecture, indeed.
The project is, uh, going well.
Other interesting language articlesIf you want to know more about nouns, pronouns, verbs, and other parts of speech, make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations and examples.
Frequently asked questions Sources in this articleWe strongly encourage students to use sources in their work. You can cite our article (APA Style) or take a deep dive into the articles below.
This Scribbr article
Ryan, E. Retrieved July 19, 2023,
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Sources
Aarts, B. (2011). Oxford modern English grammar. Oxford University Press.
Butterfield, J. (Ed.). (2023). Fowler’s dictionary of modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.
Show all sources (3)
Garner, B. A. (2023). Garner’s modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.
What Is Optimism Bias?
Optimism bias is the tendency to overestimate the likelihood of positive events and underestimate the likelihood of negative events. Optimism bias causes most people to expect that things will work out well, even if rationality suggests that problems are inevitable in life.
Example: Optimism biasYou’ve just bought a new bike, and the salesperson asks you whether you also want to look for a helmet.
Because you’ve been riding a bike since you were young, you think the chances of getting involved in an accident are really small. You conclude that you’ll be fine without it. Optimism bias makes you underestimate the risk of riding a bike without a helmet.
Although optimism bias can motivate us to overcome obstacles, it can also cause us to ignore potential risks, resulting in poor decision-making.
What is optimism bias?Optimism bias (or unrealistic optimism) is a type of unconscious cognitive bias. It refers to an unrealistically favorable attitude that people have towards themselves and people that are close to them. Positive illusions help us maintain self-esteem and avoid discomfort, at least in the short term.
Optimism bias causes people to believe that they are less likely to experience negative events than other people. For example, people expect that their careers, marriages, or health will be better than those of others, and that the financial troubles, divorces, or illnesses that happen to other people will not happen to them.
This irrational belief seems to be deeply ingrained in humans. Studies suggest that it is observed in about 80% of the population (but, notably, not among people with depression).
Why does optimism bias occur?Throughout human evolution this characteristic served us well and was passed down from one generation to the next. In other words, because optimism bias proved beneficial to humans, we are inclined to mispredict the future.
There are two key assumptions at the root of optimism bias:
That we exercise some level of control over the world around us, including what will happen to us in the future.
That we, as individuals, possess more positive traits than the average person.
Several factors can help explain optimism bias:
We have the tendency to selectively update our beliefs and expectations about the future. We are more likely to update our beliefs based on positive information rather than negative information. This, in turn, perpetuates optimism bias.
Optimism is beneficial to our mental and physical health. Expecting positive outcomes reduces stress and anxiety. Optimistic patients are more likely to believe that they will recover, leading them to adopt behaviours that increase their chances (e.g., exercise, healthy diet).
Overall, optimism bias enables us to cope with our environment and worry less about uncertainty. Because of this, it can often lead to better results than unbiased or rational beliefs.
Why does optimism bias matter?Because a majority of people are susceptible to optimism bias, it’s important to be aware of its influence on our perception and judgment.
Optimism bias can be a problem when it prevents us from accurately anticipating risk. In project management, for instance, optimism bias can cause us to underestimate the budget and time needed, a common error called the planning fallacy. Failure to assess potential hazards can also mean failing to take out sufficient insurance or to get regular medical check-ups. It can even cause us to adopt harmful habits, such as smoking.
On the other hand, optimism is also linked to achievement in several domains, such as sports, business, and education. When we are optimistic, we are more motivated to try harder, which in turn can influence the outcome. Sometimes, expecting positive things can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Optimism bias examplesOptimism bias can also influence collective behaviour and produce large-scale effects.
Example: Optimism bias and the economySeveral experts consider optimism bias to be one of the core causes of the financial crisis of 2007-2008. Individuals, analysts, and government officials were all too optimistic that the economy would grow (i.e., that businesses would continue to be profitable, that there would be more jobs for people, and that incomes would increase), leading them to ignore any warning signs.
This shows that when many people hold unrealistic expectations, their bias accumulates and is amplified, producing large scale effects.
Optimism bias can have negative consequences, particularly when serious risks are disregarded.
Example: Optimism bias and climate changeSome argue that optimism bias may help explain why we don’t do anything about climate change, even though we acknowledge the threat. Studies have shown that people who are more optimistic about a range of possible future events (e.g., contracting an illness, World War III) are also less concerned about the environment.
Additionally, among climate skeptics in particular, more optimism is associated with less guilt, less perceived responsibility, and lower behavioural intentions. Thus, overall, optimism seems to be negatively associated with an active response to environmental change.
How to avoid optimism biasAlthough optimism bias is part of human nature (and can’t be entirely avoided), there are ways to keep it in check:
Perform a project “premortem.” A premortem analysis starts with the hypothesis that your project has failed. With that in mind, you try to come up with possible reasons why. This allows you to spot the weaknesses in your project plan and prepare for the future.
Use the availability heuristic. Actively attempt to retrieve negative past experiences or times things didn’t go as planned. Here, the purpose is not to demotivate yourself, but to learn from the past so as to make sensible choices in the future.
Take an outsider’s approach. Take an objective approach when making plans. For example, when you estimate how long you will need to write a paper, seek out information about the average time it takes most people and adjust your initial assumptions accordingly.
Other types of research bias Frequently asked questions about optimism biasWhat is the opposite of optimism bias?
The opposite of optimism bias is pessimism bias. Optimism bias occurs when we overestimate our chances of experiencing positive events in our lives, while pessimism bias occurs when we overestimate our chance of experiencing negative events.
For example, pessimism bias could cause someone to think they are going to fail an exam, even though they are well prepared and usually get good grades.
What is a positive illusion?
A positive illusion is a form of self-deception under which people have inflated, favorable attitudes about themselves or others close to them.
The most common positive illusions involve:
Exaggerating one’s positive traits
Overestimating one’s degree of control in life
Harboring overly optimistic beliefs about future events (also called optimism bias).
What is the planning fallacy?
The planning fallacy refers to people’s tendency to underestimate the resources needed to complete a future task, despite knowing that previous tasks have also taken longer than planned.
For example, people generally tend to underestimate the cost and time needed for construction projects. The planning fallacy occurs due to people’s tendency to overestimate the chances that positive events, such as a shortened timeline, will happen to them. This phenomenon is called optimism bias.
What is a self-fulfilling prophecy?
This suggests that beliefs have the power to alter people’s behavior in such a way that they become a new reality in the end. Optimism bias can create a self-fulfilling prophecy: when we expect positive things, we are more likely to align our actions with this belief and try harder to influence the outcome.
What is positivity bias?
Positivity bias occurs when a person judges individual members of a group positively, even when they have negative impressions or judgments of the group as a whole. Positivity bias is closely related to optimism bias, or the expectation that things will work out well, even if rationality suggests that problems are inevitable in life.
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