Diploma in Cognitive Bias – Learn to Recognise and Counteract Mental Shortcuts and Errors
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Cognitive Bias is a comprehensive programme designed to help learners understand the mental shortcuts and unconscious biases that influence decision-making. The course explores how cognitive bias impacts perception, judgement, and behaviour in both personal and professional settings. Participants will gain practical insights into recognising patterns of bias, analysing their effects, and applying strategies to reduce errors in reasoning. By combining theoretical knowledge with real-world examples, the programme empowers learners to think critically, make informed decisions, and enhance analytical skills across various contexts.
This course is suitable for professionals, managers, educators, and individuals seeking to improve decision-making processes, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking. Participants will explore different types of cognitive biases, including confirmation bias, anchoring, and attribution errors, and learn how these influence outcomes in business, leadership, and daily life. While the course is not Ofqual regulated, it provides structured modules with practical exercises, enabling learners to apply strategies for bias recognition and mitigation. The programme also highlights ethical considerations and the importance of objective analysis in personal and professional decision-making.
OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Cognitive Bias equips participants with the knowledge and tools to identify, assess, and manage cognitive biases effectively. The course covers practical techniques for critical thinking, structured decision-making, and reflective analysis. Learners will also explore case studies, exercises, and strategies to foster mental clarity and reduce errors in judgement. Completion of this programme can complement other certifications and diplomas in leadership, psychology, management, or professional development, providing learners with actionable skills to enhance reasoning, improve workplace outcomes, and make balanced, informed decisions in complex environments.
Program Highlights
Study Units
- Introduction to Cognitive Bias: Definitions and Historical Background (3 Hours)
- Types of Cognitive Biases: Classification and Key Examples (4 Hours)
- The Psychology Behind Bias: Heuristics and Mental Shortcuts (5 Hours)
- Impact of Cognitive Bias on Perception, Memory, and Judgement (3 Hours)
- Confirmation Bias, Anchoring, and Availability Heuristic in Practice (6 Hours)
- Social and Group Influences: Groupthink, In-Group Bias, and Stereotyping (3 Hours)
- Cognitive Bias in Professional Decision-Making and Risk Assessment (4 Hours)
- Cultural and Environmental Factors Influencing Cognitive Bias (2 Hours)
o enrol in the OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Cognitive Bias, participants should meet the following general requirements:
- Age Requirement: Participants should be at least 16 years old to ensure they can fully engage with the course content and apply cognitive strategies effectively.
- Educational Background: A basic level of education is recommended. Learners with related diplomas or certificates in psychology, management, leadership, professional development, or behavioural sciences will find the course particularly beneficial, though prior qualifications are not mandatory.
- Language Proficiency: Participants should have a functional understanding of English, both written and spoken, to comprehend course materials, participate in exercises, and communicate insights effectively.
- Work Experience: No prior work experience is required, though professionals in leadership, management, education, or decision-making roles may find it easier to apply the skills practically.
These entry requirements are designed to ensure accessibility while preparing learners to develop the critical thinking, analytical, and decision-making skills needed to recognise and manage cognitive biases effectively in professional and personal contexts practical skills in precision medicine, personalized care, and modern healthcare applications.ge and improve sleep health effectively
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Cognitive Bias: Definitions and Historical Background (3 Hours)
- Define cognitive bias and understand its significance in human behaviour
- Identify the origins and development of the concept over time
- Recognise the role of cognitive bias in shaping individual and collective thinking
- Differentiate between cognitive bias and related psychological constructs
Types of Cognitive Biases: Classification and Key Examples (4 Hours)
- Categorise the major types of cognitive biases
- Illustrate key examples such as hindsight bias, self-serving bias, and framing effect
- Explain the mechanisms through which different biases operate
- Evaluate the implications of various biases across professional and social contexts
The Psychology Behind Bias: Heuristics and Mental Shortcuts (5 Hours)
- Understand the concept of heuristics and their function in everyday thinking
- Examine how mental shortcuts contribute to biased judgments
- Analyse the relationship between cognitive efficiency and errors in reasoning
- Discuss theories from behavioural psychology relevant to heuristic thinking
Impact of Cognitive Bias on Perception, Memory, and Judgement (3 Hours)
- Explore how biases affect perception and attention processes
- Examine the influence of bias on memory recall and accuracy
- Assess how cognitive distortions shape personal and professional judgements
- Understand the neurological and psychological basis for biased thinking
Confirmation Bias, Anchoring, and Availability Heuristic in Practice (6 Hours)
- Define and distinguish between confirmation bias, anchoring, and availability heuristic
- Identify real-world scenarios where these biases occur
- Evaluate their impact on decision-making and problem-solving
- Develop techniques for recognising and mitigating these biases in practice
Social and Group Influences: Groupthink, In-Group Bias, and Stereotyping (3 Hours)
- Understand how social dynamics influence individual cognitive processes
- Analyse the effects of groupthink and in-group favouritism on group decisions
- Identify the cognitive roots of stereotyping and its consequences
- Reflect on strategies to minimise social biases in team-based environments
Cognitive Bias in Professional Decision-Making and Risk Assessment (4 Hours)
- Identify how biases distort professional judgement in high-stakes environments
- Assess the risks associated with biased decision-making in different sectors
- Apply frameworks to improve objectivity and risk analysis
- Integrate critical thinking techniques to support ethical and balanced choices
Cultural and Environmental Factors Influencing Cognitive Bias (2 Hours)
- Explore the role of cultural background in shaping cognitive biases
- Understand environmental triggers that reinforce biased behaviour
- Recognise the variability of bias across diverse populations
- Examine global case studies highlighting cultural differences in bias expression
This course is designed for individuals and professionals who want to enhance their understanding of cognitive biases, improve decision-making, and apply critical thinking strategies in personal, professional, and organisational contexts. It is suitable for anyone interested in recognising and mitigating mental shortcuts that affect judgement, perception, and behaviour.
Professionals in Leadership and Management
- Team leaders and managers seeking to make balanced, objective decisions
- Executives aiming to reduce errors caused by cognitive bias
- Professionals overseeing projects or strategic planning
- Individuals responsible for risk assessment and resource allocation
- Leaders wanting to improve team decision-making and productivity
Human Resources and Organisational Development Specialists
- HR professionals involved in recruitment and performance evaluation
- Learning and development practitioners implementing training programmes
- Staff responsible for designing fair policies and procedures
- Individuals addressing bias in workplace culture
- Professionals promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
Educators and Academic Professionals
- Teachers, trainers, and lecturers interested in psychology and decision-making
- Professionals supporting critical thinking skills in students
- Academics studying behavioural sciences or organisational behaviour
- Educators wanting to teach cognitive bias recognition and mitigation
- Staff developing curricula focused on analytical thinking
Healthcare and Mental Health Practitioners
- Psychologists, counsellors, and therapists applying behavioural insights
- Medical professionals improving patient decision-making and communication
- Staff assessing clinical judgement and reducing diagnostic errors
- Practitioners promoting informed choices and ethical care
- Professionals integrating cognitive bias awareness into care plans
Business Analysts, Risk Managers, and Consultants
- Professionals analysing data, trends, and market insights
- Risk managers evaluating potential errors in strategic decisions
- Consultants advising organisations on process improvement
- Individuals responsible for identifying and mitigating business risks
- Analysts enhancing accuracy and objectivity in decision-making
Students and Lifelong Learners
- Individuals pursuing personal development in psychology and critical thinking
- Students preparing for careers in management, health, or research
- Lifelong learners seeking practical strategies to improve reasoning skills
- Individuals interested in understanding human behaviour and decision processes
- Learners wanting to enhance judgment, reduce errors, and improve outcomes
This course is ideal for anyone seeking to understand and manage cognitive biases effectively, strengthen critical thinking, and make better-informed decisions in professional, educational, or personal settings.
