Is it right to make excuses for unjust behavior toward others?
For instance, one might argue that domestic abuse is acceptable “because it’s a private matter” or that elder abuse is excusable “because they’re weak.”
Can people rob others and illtreat them just because they can?
Aren’t these justifications illogical and dangerous?
Mustn’t we challenge ourselves to ask why these excuses are made and what type of society accept them in the first place?
How can we take meaningful action instead of allowing our behaviors to be based on false logic?
Can this logic be used for good and bad actions?
How can one justify – with because?
Learn how “Because” justification and other cognitive biases adversely affect our reasoning. Find out how to guard against them in your own life!
Understanding The “Because Justification“
‘Because’ Justification is a cognitive bias wherein people use wrong or unconvincing reasons to justify their beliefs and actions. It’s a form of rationalization where we come up with excuses. That are often the ones that don’t make sense! To explain our decisions or opinions rather than facing their true origin.
The game-changing “Because” study from Harvard’s Ellen Langer in 78 has proven that the key to getting what you want is adding a simple word to your request: Because. The experiment focussed on letting someone cut in line while only copying five pages; people were more likely to comply when they heard the phrase “because I have to make copies.”
However, if the request was for 20 pages or more, compliance rates were higher when “because” was followed by something more compelling such as “because I’m in a rush.” This experiment revealed that people are often driven into automatic behavior and swayed heavily by the slightest addition of context within a request.
Whether your task is big or small, when you include a reason, you are likelier to see it fulfilled. So go ahead and get what you want by throwing in a because; watch those resistance levels drop (even if they’re high stakes).
But are you a ‘because of’ bias culprit? You know, the kind of person that throws around the word ‘because’ as a justification for everything without any real explanation.
You might think it’s harmless, but it could lead you to poor decision-making. It’s time to start recognizing this bad habit and making conscious, evidence-based choices. So put down the ‘because’ crutch and start making better decisions that will benefit you and those around you. Then, let’s achieve those positive outcomes together!
The Exploited and The Exploiters
The typical victims of ‘Because Justification” are those who have difficulty examining their motives, beliefs, and values. They may use this cognitive bias to convince themselves that their decisions or opinions are valid even when they don’t make sense.
On the other hand, those aware of this form of rationalization can take advantage of it by manipulating the truth to get what they want from unsuspecting victims. They may use false logic or ill-thought-out arguments to get someone else to agree with them without putting in any effort.
‘Because’ Justification
- A friend convinces you to go out for lunch instead of staying in by saying, “Come on, it’ll be fun because you love food!”
- Going shopping and buying something you don’t need just because it’s on sale at a discount.
- Parent persuades their child to do homework even when they are not motivated by saying, “You should do your homework because it will benefit your future.”
- Someone coaxes you to join their cause with the argument that “everyone else is doing it because it’s the right thing to do.”
Recognizing When You Are Slipping Into The Because Justification Trap
It can be difficult to identify when you are falling into the trap of ‘Because’ Justification, as it is often subtle and based on your own biases. However, there are a few signs to look out for that can alert you when you are making a decision based on illogical reasoning:
- You rely heavily on persuasion tactics or emotional appeals instead of factual evidence.
- You are jumping to conclusions without considering all sides of an argument.
- You give more weight to the opinions of others around you rather than using your judgment.
- Your justification does not consider any potential risks or consequences associated with the decision.
Overcoming the ‘Because’ Justification
- Learn to recognize the signs of “Because’ justification” at its earliest stages.
- Identify your emotions when tempted to engage in a biased thought process.
- Challenge yourself to think critically and logically about the choices being made.
- It can be helpful to take a step back and approach the situation from an unbiased point of view.
- Search for evidence that contradicts your line of reasoning.
- Delay your decisions to give yourself time to consider different perspectives or options.
- Utilize tools like decision trees, lists of pros and cons, and other decision-making techniques to aid in making sound decisions that don’t rely on cognitive biases such as “Because’ justification” traps.
Final Thoughts
The fascinating phenomenon of because-justification bias is where our minds retroactively create reasons to justify our decisions, even if they aren’t entirely rational or well-informed. It’s a common occurrence in everyday life, spanning from the products we buy to the beliefs we hold dear.
Imagine this situation when you are searching for a new phone, scrolling through endless options. Eventually, you stumble upon the latest model that catches your attention. It seems perfect, and with all the positive reviews and impressive features, you’re convinced it’s the one for you. But here’s where things get interesting.
But behind the scenes, your desire to flaunt the phone is another factor at play! Most of your friends and colleagues already own this exact same phone. Now, armed with this subconscious influence, you confidently make the purchase.
Fast forward a few days, and reality starts to set in. You begin noticing some unexpected flaws in your shiny new gadget. Maybe the battery drains faster than you expected or lags during crucial moments. But instead of acknowledging these shortcomings, you find yourself concocting justifications to defend your decision.
You might end up saying, “Well, I bought this phone “because” of its incredible camera, and I am happy with it!” Conveniently sidestepping any performance or battery life issues, you cling to the positive aspects to validate your choice.
So, the next time you catch yourself rationalizing a decision after the fact, remember the power of the because-justification bias. It’s a reminder that our minds are wired to seek validation, even if it means overlooking flaws and inconsistencies along the way.
Finally
In conclusion, understanding the role of justification is crucial in recognizing how our biases can influence decision-making and lead to unintended. We hope the post helped you understand the negative impact of this bias.
Also, actively seek out diverse perspectives, challenge our preconceived notions, and make decisions based on objective evidence rather than personal justifications. Why not subscribe to our newsletter? Because! You will enjoy our posts on cognitive phenomena!
Reference
The above article is based on the book Thinking Clearly; this article is here to help us learn and understand how our minds can be tricked by something called cognitive biases.