Human mind Quote by Carol Tavris
““Prejudices emerge from the disposition of the human mind to perceive and process information in categories. “Categories” is a nicer, more neutral word than “stereotypes,” but it’s the same thing. Cognitive psychologists consider stereotypes to be energy-saving devices that allow us to make efficient decisions on the basis of past experience; help us quickly process new information and retrieve memories; make sense of real differences between groups; and predict, often with considerable accuracy, how others will behave or how they think.24 We wisely rely on stereotypes and the quick information they give us to avoid danger, approach possible new friends, choose one school or job over another, or decide that that person across this crowded room will be the love of our lives.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Person You Are Is Not Who You Think You Are, Carol Tavris, 2017
People categorize others to simplify thinking, which can be useful but also leads to inaccurate and harmful stereotypes.
In simple terms: We sort people into groups to think faster, but this can cause bias.
Key Takeaway
Be aware of categorizing and question assumptions.
Themes
bias
perception
social cognition
decision making
Mood
reflective
cautious
analytical
Type
psychological
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- job interviews
- making
- team building
- making judgments
- making decisions
Key Concepts
stereotype
heuristics
information processing
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize when you’re using a shortcut?
- What steps can you take to see beyond categories?
A Different Perspective
Categorizing can overlook individual differences and cause unfair treatment.
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