Developmental Changes in Cognitive Bias

Abstract

While many studies have investigated incorrect evaluations of cognitive bias type and how age-related decisions are influenced by it, few have compared this phenomenon across different age groups (i.e., adults and children). In this study, we examined developmental changes by comparing the number of correct answers given by children and that given by adults when performing different types of cognitive bias tasks. The participant sample comprised 36 children (21 boys and 15 girls with an average age of 12.3 years) and 26 adults (15 men and 11 women with an average age of 27.3 years). The cognitive bias task created by previous study was modified and then implemented to better understand the performance of the children. This study identified four types of developmental changes in cognitive bias. Consequently, it was suggested that in terms of cognitive reflection, conjunction bias and confirmation bias improved performance, and framing did not change for either children or adults. It was also suggested that the confirmation bias tasks’ lack of consideration for the subcategory of ADHD was associated with performance among both the children and the adults. Results show that some cognitive biases may reveal developmental changes, depending on the category. As such, we were able to consider the factors involved in human decision-making and obtain a perspective on developmental changes to improve future decision-making.

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