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Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Biases post

Cognitive biases in writing
By
Brett Stern

      The United States can be considered a very sensitive country in many areas. One of the biggest controversial topics in the U.S. is abortion. Many people say abortion is murder. Others, say abortion is necessary if the women cannot take care of the child or simply does not want to take car of the child. In the article “There is absolutely no reason to restrict women's options for abortion access” Jessica uses many cognate biases to drive her point across. One Cognitive bias that is evident in her writing is an empathy gap. Jessica says, “We wouldn't (and shouldn't) have to pretend that women who are forced into sex are somehow more deserving of medical care” she is not taking into account how rape victims will react to here basically saying that rape victims do not deserve extra treatment. Several people may disagree with Jessica, but her empathy gap causes her underestimate how strong others feelings can be.

 

            Ms. Valenti uses attentional bias throughout her article. In her first paragraph she says, “no parental consent laws, no mandated ultrasounds, no waiting periods, no bans on late term abortions and no bans on federal funding for abortion.” She uses the word “no” several times in a row to instill a reoccurring thought into the readers head that there truly should be no restrictions on Birth control. She also uses “I” a lot as well as “in my opinion.” Jessica tells the reader at several points that these are her thoughts, which also uses the false consensus effect. She has a false sense that everyone agrees with her which is not the case because abortion is such a debated topic.



            Jessica uses biases and cognitive effects to both get her point across and persuade the reader.  Abortion is an often debated topic that may be argued about until the end of time. Jessica repeats herself and disregards others emotions at times as an effort to make herself heard. She often looks for approval from her readers and judging by her use of biases, she may have a considerable amount of people on her side. Where do you stand on abortion?

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