Cognitive Bias Recognition Quiz

Run the Cognitive Bias Quiz Fullscreen

About This MicroSim

This interactive quiz helps students identify cognitive biases in real-world scenarios. Recognizing these biases is essential for ethical reasoning and data-driven decision making.

Features

• 8 Scenario-Based Questions: Each scenario presents a realistic situation demonstrating a cognitive bias
• Multiple Choice Format: Select from 4 bias options per scenario
• Hint System: Get a hint if you're stuck (reduces points earned)
• Detailed Explanations: Learn why each answer is correct after responding
• Score Tracking: Earn 10 points for correct answers (5 with hint)
• Encouraging Feedback: Supportive messages whether right or wrong
• Randomized Order: Questions appear in random order each time

Cognitive Biases Covered

Bias	Description
Cherry Picking	Selecting only data that supports your conclusion
Availability Heuristic	Overestimating likelihood of easily recalled events
Ad Hominem Bias	Rejecting arguments based on the source, not the content
Anchoring	Over-relying on the first piece of information encountered
Framing Effect	Being influenced by how information is presented
Survivorship Bias	Drawing conclusions only from "winners"
Confirmation Bias	Seeking information that confirms existing beliefs
Correlation-Causation Fallacy	Assuming correlation implies causation

Embedding This MicroSim

You can include this MicroSim on your website using the following iframe:

<iframe src="https://dmccreary.github.io/ethics-course/sims/bias-classifier-quiz/main.html"
        height="502px"
        width="100%"
        scrolling="no">
</iframe>

Lesson Plan

Learning Objectives

By completing this quiz, students will be able to:

1. Identify common cognitive biases in realistic scenarios
2. Distinguish between similar biases (e.g., Cherry Picking vs. Confirmation Bias)
3. Explain why specific reasoning patterns qualify as biased
4. Apply bias recognition to evaluate arguments and data presentations

Bloom's Taxonomy Level

This activity primarily addresses Application (Level 3) - students must apply their knowledge of cognitive biases to analyze new scenarios they haven't seen before.

Pre-Quiz Discussion (5 minutes)

Before starting the quiz, discuss:

• What is a cognitive bias?
• Why might recognizing biases be important for ethical decision-making?
• Can you think of a time when a bias might have affected your own thinking?

Quiz Activity (15-20 minutes)

1. Have students complete the quiz individually
2. Encourage them to use the "Show Hint" feature only after careful consideration
3. Ask them to read each explanation carefully after answering

Post-Quiz Reflection (10 minutes)

Discussion questions:

1. Which bias was hardest to identify? Why?
2. Which bias do you think you might be most susceptible to in your own life?
3. How might these biases affect ethical analysis of industries or policies?
4. What strategies could help you avoid these biases when gathering data?

Extension Activity

Have students find a real news article, company report, or policy document and identify any cognitive biases present in how information is presented.

Technical Details

• Framework: p5.js 1.11.10
• Data Format: Questions stored in data.json for easy editing
• Canvas Size: 800×500 pixels (responsive width)
• Accessibility: Includes screen reader description

Customizing Questions

The quiz questions are stored in data.json and can be easily modified. Each scenario includes:

{
  "id": 1,
  "scenario": "Description of the scenario...",
  "correctBias": "Name of the correct bias",
  "options": ["Option 1", "Option 2", "Option 3", "Option 4"],
  "explanation": "Why this answer is correct...",
  "hint": "A helpful hint for students..."
}

To add new scenarios, simply add new objects to the scenarios array in data.json.