Clustering Illusion: See the Bigger Picture - Cognitive Biases Series | Academy 4 Social Change

Clustering Illusion: Lesson Plan

Topic

The clustering illusion is a cognitive bias that leads people to falsely det ect non-random patterns or clusters in randomly distributed data samples.

Possible subjects/classes Time needed

● Psychology ● Economics 40-45 mins ● Math/Statistics

Video link: https://academy4sc.org/topic/clustering-illusion-see-the-bigger-picture/

Objective: What will students know/be able to do at the end of class?

Students will be able to... 1. Define the clustering illusion. 2. Explain how the clustering illusion works. 3. Explain how the representativeness heuristic influences the clustering illusion.

Key Concepts & Vocabulary

Representativeness heuristic, cognitive bias

Materials Needed

Worksheet

Before you watch

Poll the Class: Show the class Gilovich’s graph of London bombings during World War II. Ask them to analyze the graph for any patterns. It is likely that many will detect a pattern, although it is actually an example of the clustering illusion. Inform them of the cognitive bias they have just displayed and use it as a segue into the lesson.

While you watch

Clustering Illusion: See the Bigger Picture - Cognitive Biases Series | Academy 4 Social Change

1. What is the clustering illusion? 2. Who are two preeminent scholars on the clustering illusion? 3. What is the representativeness heuristic?

After you watch/discussion questions

1. What are some other real-life examples of the clustering illusion? 2. Have you ever experienced the clustering illusion? How did you come to realize you were affected by it? 3. How might we overcome the clustering illusion?

Activity Ideas

● Complete the short essay on the accompanying Worksheet. ● Brainstorm a list of other facets of life where the clustering illusion can affect our perception of data. Are there certain areas where the clustering illusion is more dangerous than others? Are there instances where it is beneficial? Discuss in small groups. ● Create a public service announcement warning people about the clustering illusion (radio announcement, script for a tv advertisement, etc. Get creative!). Explain in simple terms what it is, how it works, and why it is useful for the public to know.

Sources/places to learn more

1. Gilovich, T. (1991). How we know what isn't so . New York: The Free Press. ISBN 978-0-02-911706-4. 2. Kahneman, D., & Tversky, A. (1972). Subjective probability: A judgment of representativeness. Cognitive psychology , 3 (3), 430-454. 3. Clustering illusion—Definition, example, implications in investing . (n.d.). Corporate Finance Institute. From https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/other/clusteri ng-illusion/.