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SessionSix029

Cognitive Illusions
DorothyGraham

We are all familiar with optical illusions: we see something that turns out to be not as it first appears. Isn't it strange that some part of our mind knows that another part of our mind is being deceived?

However, we are subject to self-deception in technical areas as well: these are cognitive illusions. This workshop explores some of the ways in which we deceive ourselves, why we do it, and what we can do about it. A few examples will be given to illustrate what we are looking for. Other examples will be sought from participants.

Small groups will discuss their experiences of cognitive illusions: - when we have seen someone else who appeared to be deceiving themselves
- when we have experienced self-deception, and how we became aware of it
- what are the effects of self-deception on other people and on the self-deceiver?

After sharing from each group, we will discuss:
- what are the reasons behind self-deception (e.g. what kind of anxiety)
- how can we help people who are deceiving themselves?
- how can we become more aware of our own �blind spots�

ProgramScheduleAndSessions2006