# Cognitive Biases

> Understanding psychological patterns that influence human decision-making, first systematically studied by Kahneman and Tversky. Essential for creating user experiences that work with human psychology. Use when this capability is needed.

- Skill: `tomevault-io/cognitive-biases` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/cognitive-biases`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/cognitive-biases/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/cognitive-biases

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# Cognitive Biases - Psychology for Product Design

Understanding psychological patterns that influence human decision-making, first systematically studied by Kahneman and Tversky. Essential for creating user experiences that work with human psychology.

## When to Use This Skill

- Designing user onboarding flows
- Improving conversion rates ethically
- Analyzing why users behave unexpectedly
- Reviewing designs for dark patterns
- Planning pricing and positioning strategies
- Understanding decision-making in user research

## Core Biases at a Glance

| Bias | What It Is | Application |
|------|-----------|-------------|
| **Anchoring** | First info becomes reference point | Show premium prices first |
| **Loss Aversion** | Losses feel 2x stronger than gains | Frame as "losing" vs "missing" |
| **Availability** | Overestimate what's easy to recall | Show success stories, social proof |
| **Confirmation** | Seek info confirming beliefs | Personalize onboarding |
| **Planning Fallacy** | Underestimate task duration | Give realistic time estimates |
| **Framing Effect** | Presentation changes perception | Use positive framing |
| **Sunk Cost** | Invest based on past costs | Highlight accumulated value |
| **Social Proof** | Look to others for guidance | Show testimonials, usage stats |
| **Scarcity** | Value rare things more | Use genuine limited offers |

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## Progressive Disclosure

| Topic | File | When to Use |
|-------|------|-------------|
| All 9 core biases | [context/core-biases.md](context/core-biases.md) | Deep dive into each bias with examples |
| Analysis framework | [context/analysis-framework.md](context/analysis-framework.md) | Systematic analysis of user decisions |
| Ethics & examples | [context/examples-ethics.md](context/examples-ethics.md) | Real-world examples and dark patterns |

## Ethical Framework

```
Before applying a bias, ask:

1. Is this helping the user? → STOP if NO
2. Would I be comfortable if exposed? → STOP if NO
3. Does this create long-term value? → STOP if NO
4. Would this work on an informed user?
   → YES (persuasion) / NO (manipulation)
```

## Quick Reference

```
Acquisition:
├── Social Proof → "Join 50,000+ users"
├── Anchoring → Show premium first
└── Scarcity → "Limited beta access"

Activation:
├── Commitment → Small first steps
├── Planning Fallacy → Realistic estimates
└── Loss Aversion → Show progress at risk

Retention:
├── Sunk Cost → "Your history, connections"
├── Confirmation → Personalized experience
└── Social Proof → "Your team uses this"
```

## References

- [Thinking, Fast and Slow - Daniel Kahneman](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11468377-thinking-fast-and-slow)
- [Predictably Irrational - Dan Ariely](https://danariely.com/books/predictably-irrational/)
- [Hooked - Nir Eyal](https://www.nirandfar.com/hooked/)
- [Dark Patterns Hall of Shame](https://darkpatterns.org/)

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<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-04-11 -->