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Cognitive Bias Spotter

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How to Use This MicroSim

Read each scenario card (two to four sentences describing a realistic situation) and select from the list of 18 cognitive biases which one — or which combination — best explains the thinking error at work. Submit your answer to see the correct response and a detailed explanation connecting the scenario's specific details to the bias definition. Work through multiple rounds across different scenario categories; at the end of a session, review your score summary to identify which bias types need more practice.

Learning Objective

Apply (L3 — Apply) knowledge of cognitive biases by correctly identifying which bias or biases are operating in realistic scenario descriptions.

Specification

The full specification below is extracted from Chapter 15: Media Literacy and Cognitive Bias.

Type: Interactive Diagram
**sim-id:** cognitive-bias-spotter<br/>
**Library:** p5.js<br/>
**Status:** Specified

**Learning Objective:** Apply (L3 — Apply) knowledge of cognitive biases by correctly identifying which bias or biases are operating in realistic scenario descriptions.

**Description:** A card-based practice tool presenting realistic short scenarios (two to four sentences each) drawn from academic, social media, news, and everyday decision-making contexts. Each card presents a scenario, and the user selects from the chapter's 18 biases (presented as a scrollable list) which bias or biases are most clearly illustrated. After submitting, the tool reveals the correct answer(s) with an explanation that connects the specific details of the scenario to the definition of the bias.

**Scenario categories** (minimum 5 scenarios per category): News consumption and social media, academic research and writing, personal decision-making, group dynamics and social interaction, media production and framing. Total scenarios: at least 30, arranged in increasing order of difficulty (some scenarios illustrate a single clear bias; harder scenarios illustrate two or more biases operating simultaneously).

**Score tracking**: The tool tracks correct identifications in a session and at the end provides a summary showing which bias categories the user performed best and worst on, with a recommendation to review the definitions of missed biases.

**Canvas:** Minimum 650px wide, minimum 400px tall. Card text readable at all viewport sizes (minimum 14px font).

Lesson Plan

This MicroSim can be used as an in-class activity or assigned for independent practice.

  1. Introduction (5 min): Review the key concept before opening the sim.
  2. Exploration (10 min): Students interact with the sim and record observations.
  3. Discussion (5 min): Class shares findings and discusses connections to the text.

References

  • Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts (CCSS.ELA)
  • National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) framework

Bloom's Taxonomy

  • Bloom Level: 3 — Apply
  • Bloom Verb: Apply
  • Library: p5.js