Cognition, Decision Making and Error Management
Domain 5 tests information processing, judgment, decision making and error. Expect questions on heuristics, bias, error types and structured decision models such as DECIDE.
Cognition and bias
- Information processing is limited: sensing, perceiving, deciding and acting compete for capacity.
- Heuristics are mental shortcuts that save time but produce bias: confirmation bias seeks supporting evidence; availability bias overweights recent events; plan continuation persists with a failing plan.
- Error types: slips are correct intentions with wrong execution; lapses are omissions; mistakes are wrong intentions; violations are deliberate deviations.
Decision model
- DECIDE: Detect the change, Estimate its effect, Choose an outcome, Identify actions, Do the action, Evaluate the result.
Worked example
A VFR pilot sees lowering cloud but presses on because 'the forecast said clear'. This is plan continuation and confirmation bias: the pilot notices evidence supporting the original plan and discounts worsening cues. A better decision is to set a personal limit, turn back early, and evaluate the actual weather rather than the forecast.
Traps
Treating all errors as carelessness; confusing a slip with a mistake; assuming experience removes bias; using DECIDE as a slogan without evaluating the outcome.