Cognitive Distortion

Abstract

Cognitive distortion is classified as either overgeneralization (belief that a disjunctive relation is nested) or pseudo-discrimination (belief that a nested relation is disjunctive). The proposition that common forms of illogical reasoning are instances of overgeneralization is supported by an analysis of these forms. Two empirical propositions—that overgeneralization is more common than pseudo-discrimination and that overgeneralization should engender more confidence—were also investigated and supported. Ss were presented with newspaper-like stories about political and/or economic groups of people and were asked direct questions about the set relations between these groups; hence, Ss' errors could be classified as either overgeneralizations or pseudo-discriminations. Overgeneralization was more common and engendered greater confidence.