Clustering illusion ⚙
🧠 Psych - 15 / 100
Good Morning,
We are going to discuss about Clustering illusion ⚙️, today.
What is it?
Clustering illusion is our tendency to observe a certain pattern in a series of random events.
Example -
122212221221112112211
Can you spot a pattern in the sequence of numbers? Go.
There is a pattern, right?
In a similar study with a different pattern, It was found that about 62% believed the pattern is following a “streak”.
Even though you did (or did not) find a pattern in the sequence above, you would be surprised to know that it was purely random.
This example was inspired by an experiment which was done with a similar pattern. Take a look at References for the link to the study.
Where does it occur?
This phenomenon happens in our daily lives as we notice and judge things because of events which have taken place.
You might believe that there is pattern or a streak going on but that won’t be the case.
Why do I need to know?
You need to realise that We will notice patterns in places even though they do not exist.
Sometimes, Events are happening in a certain way because they are in certain way, Not because you had a rough start on the day.
Takeaways:-
Be self-aware that you will have the tendency to notice this bias because we all are humans. We are skeptics by nature.
Take calculated risks even though you are on ‘a winning streak’.
References & Studies:-
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/586d/a3e95ff8fcbbc640e9466c20c8c56477d179.pdf
https://psychology.wikia.org/wiki/Clustering_illusion
http://skepdic.com/clustering.html