METHODS TO COUNTERACT THE INFLUENCE OF COGNITIVE BIASES ON THINKING IN THE EDUCATION OF FUTURE OFFICERS

Abstract

The article is devoted to the examination of the causes of cognitive bias formation and proposes methods for counteracting their influence on thinking processes, which should be implemented in the educational process of higher education institutions. The study explores the factors contributing to the emergence of cognitive biases, such as evolutionary, functional, social, and value-semantic aspects. Based on theoretical analysis, the author formulates a personal perspective on the immediate causes of cognitive bias formation, namely: the dominance of fast thinking over slow thinking, emotional perception, social influence, information overload, and the limitations of human memory and attention. These factors significantly affect the thinking processes, analysis, and decision-making of future officers.
The article provides a detailed explanation of how these causes contribute to the development of cognitive biases, along with examples of their manifestation in the activities of future officers. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of reducing the impact of these factors in order to prevent the formation of cognitive biases. To achieve this, methods of counteracting cognitive distortions in the thinking of future officers are proposed. These include the development of critical thinking, reflection, individual task performance, and the use of techniques aimed at improving memory and attention. Each method is accompanied by a description of the expected outcomes, which should be incorporated into the training of future officers at higher military educational institutions.
Additionally, specific teaching methods for the development of each proposed skill are outlined, which can be implemented during practical exercises or in individual cadet work. Among the described approaches, particular attention is given to critical thinking and reflection, as they are the most influential. These skills not only allow for more accurate information analysis but also help in recognizing the root causes of decision-making errors caused by cognitive biases, thus enabling their avoidance in future professional activities.