Cognitive filtering

Cognitive filtering is the selective attention to some information while ignoring other information, often in a way that reinforces prior beliefs or mood.

Definition

In cognitive psychology, a similar phenomenon is described, among others, by: as selective abstraction: drawing conclusions based on one fragment of a situation while ignoring the broader context. Such a filter may narrow the picture of reality, for example when one critical comment obscures ten neutral or supportive signals. Working on filtering is about expanding the data field, not about pretending that difficult information does not exist.

Key ideas

Missing key ideas.

Practice and life

After a difficult event, record three types of data: negative, neutral, and supportive. Check that your first interpretation did not come from only one category.

Common misunderstanding

It is a mistake to assume that first impressions cover the entire situation. It is also a mistake to replace the negative filter with forced positive thinking without contact with facts.

Questions for self-reflection

No questions for self-reflection.

Sources

No sources.