Cognitive Bias: Illusion Of Control

Principal Category: Cognitive Biases

Authors:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

The Illusion of Control Bias refers to the tendency for individuals to overestimate their ability to control or influence outcomes, even when faced with situations largely determined by chance. It manifests in various ways, including overestimating skill, exaggerated confidence in predictions, and attributing success to personal abilities while blaming external factors for failure. This bias can lead to superstitious behavior, excessive risk-taking, and belief in illusory patterns. Scammers exploit this bias in victims, fostering a false sense of control and perpetuating their deception. Recognizing and mitigating this bias requires a realistic understanding of one’s influence on outcomes and acceptance of uncertainty.

The Illusion of Control Bias

This cognitive bias refers to the belief that people have more control over events than they actually do.

This can affect crime victims by leading them to feel that they could have prevented the crime, even if there is no logical reason to believe that this is true (also see Hindsight Bias). This can lead to feelings of guilt and self-blame, which can further exacerbate the trauma of the crime.

The illusion of control is the tendency for people to overestimate their ability to control events. It was named by U.S. psychologist Ellen Langer and is thought to influence gambling behavior and belief in the paranormal. Along with illusory superiority and optimism bias, the illusion of control is one of the positive illusions.

However, it also plays a major role in scam victims believing that they control their safety, both before a crime and after. This is especially a problem for recent scam victims as they believe it will never happen to them again. The fact is that their cognitive biases and impaired decision-making can lead them back into another scam at any time.

The Illusion of Control Bias in More Detail

The cognitive bias that relates to overconfidence in rationality is known as the “illusion of control.” This bias refers to the tendency for individuals to overestimate their ability to control or influence outcomes, even when faced with situations that are largely determined by chance or outside factors.

In decision-making, the illusion of control leads individuals to believe that they have more control over events than they actually do.

This can manifest in various ways, such as:

1. Overestimating Skill: People may believe that their skills, knowledge, or expertise make them better equipped to predict or influence outcomes than they actually are. For example, a trader in the stock market may believe they can consistently beat the market and generate above-average returns through their trading strategies, despite evidence suggesting that market performance is largely unpredictable.
2. Exaggerated Confidence in Predictions: Individuals may express unwarranted confidence in their ability to predict future events or outcomes, even in situations where randomness or uncertainty plays a significant role. For instance, a gambler may feel confident in their ability to predict the outcome of a dice roll or card draw, attributing success to skill rather than chance.
3. Illusion of Skill: People often attribute success to their own skills or abilities, while attributing failure to external factors or bad luck. This bias can lead individuals to overestimate their control over outcomes and underestimate the role of chance or randomness in determining results.
4. Need for Control: The illusion of control may stem from a psychological need for control and autonomy. People may feel a sense of comfort or security when they believe they have control over their environment, leading them to overestimate their ability to influence outcomes and downplay the role of external factors.

Overall, the illusion of control bias contributes to overconfidence in rationality by leading individuals to believe they have more control over events than they actually do. Recognizing this bias can help individuals make more realistic assessments of their ability to influence outcomes and make better-informed decisions.

Consequences of The Illusion of Control Bias

One of the key features of the illusion of control is the belief that one’s actions or decisions can significantly impact the outcome of a situation, even when objective evidence suggests otherwise.

This belief often leads individuals to engage in behaviors that are driven by a false sense of control, such as:

• Superstitious Behavior: People may engage in superstitious rituals or behaviors in an attempt to exert control over outcomes that are largely determined by chance. For example, a baseball player may wear a lucky jersey or perform a specific pre-game ritual to improve their chances of success, despite knowing that these actions have no real impact on their performance.
• Excessive Risk-Taking: Individuals may take excessive risks or make high-stakes decisions based on the belief that they can control the outcome through their actions. This can lead to behaviors such as gambling, speculative investing, or engaging in dangerous activities under the mistaken belief that they can influence the outcome in their favor.
• Illusory Patterns: People may perceive patterns or correlations in random or chaotic data, attributing meaning or significance to events that are purely coincidental. This can lead to the development of conspiracy theories, belief in pseudosciences, or adherence to unfounded beliefs about cause-and-effect relationships.
• Attribution of Success and Failure: The illusion of control bias also influences how individuals attribute success and failure. People tend to attribute success to their own skills, abilities, or efforts while attributing failure to external factors, bad luck, or situational constraints. This bias can lead to an inflated sense of self-efficacy and an underestimation of the role of chance in determining outcomes.

Overcoming The Illusion of Control Bias

The illusion of control bias is pervasive and can have significant implications for decision-making, behavior, and well-being. It was a significant vulnerability that scammers exploited in relationship scams – one of many.

By establishing a false sense of control, this bias can lead individuals to make suboptimal decisions, take unnecessary risks, and experience heightened stress or anxiety when outcomes do not align with their expectations.

Recognizing and mitigating the illusion of control bias requires a realistic appraisal of one’s ability to influence outcomes and acknowledge the role of chance and randomness in shaping events. By adopting a more humble and probabilistic mindset, individuals can make more informed decisions, reduce unnecessary risk-taking, and cultivate a greater acceptance of uncertainty in their lives.

Cognitive Bias Catalog

SCARS Manual Of Cognitive Biases – 2024 (scampsychology.org)

Important Information for New Scam Victims

• See more at www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims

SCARS Resources:

• For New Victims of Relationship Scams newvictim.AgainstScams.org
• Subscribe to SCARS Newsletter newsletter.againstscams.org
• Sign up for SCARS professional Support & Recovery Groups, visit support.AgainstScams.org
• Find competent Trauma Counselors or Therapists, visit counseling.AgainstScams.org
• Become a SCARS Member and get free counseling benefits, visit membership.AgainstScams.org
• Report each and every crime, learn how to at reporting.AgainstScams.org
• Learn More about Scams & Scammers at RomanceScamsNOW.com and ScamsNOW.com
• Scammer Photos on ScammerPhotos.com
• SCARS Videos youtube.AgainstScams.org
• Self-Help Books for Scam Victims are at shop.AgainstScams.org
• Donate to SCARS and help us help others at donate.AgainstScams.org

Psychology Disclaimer:

All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only

The information provided in these articles are intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.

While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.

Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.

If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.

If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.

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