radioq
Mar 17, 2021
Scholarship / Short essay about Heuristics (Questbridge College Prep Scholars Program) 1st prompt [2]
Prompt:
Tell us about a concept, theory, or topic you have explored simply because it sparked your intellectual curiosity.
(200 words)
For context, the topic of this essay is supposed to be related to the applicant's future field of study. I am pretty confident that I want to pursue a Cognitive Science major!
My essay:
Why do people believe in QAnon? Or absurd theories about what "really" happened on 9/11? Perhaps it is merely ignorance. Or perhaps heuristics cause such aberrations in critical thinking.
My first introduction to heuristics was in my Theory of Knowledge class when I wrote a paper on why people believe obvious falsehoods. Cognitive shortcuts are a major reason this occurs. I began to read about various types of heuristics and how they can cloud our judgment. I wanted to know more. Why?
If I am oblivious to these faults in human reasoning, how can I ensure that my beliefs and decisions are rational? How can I truly be receptive to opposing views?
To further investigate the inner workings of human thought processes and behaviors, I decided to study AP Psychology independently. Yet, I know that I have only scratched the surface. I long to delve into this subject further by researching the relationship between cognitive schema and the formulation of belief systems as well as how they govern human behavior. It is imperative that I become acutely aware of my perspective's shortcomings and probe my thoughts for hidden biases.
Only then can I consider myself a true seeker of knowledge.
Questbridge essays are supposed to be personal, but I'm struggling with this essay because it seems very mundane. I am interested in the topic, but I'm not sure how to make it more personal. Thank you for reading and/or providing feedback.
Prompt:
Tell us about a concept, theory, or topic you have explored simply because it sparked your intellectual curiosity.
Why do you find it intriguing? How do you want to explore it further?
(200 words)
For context, the topic of this essay is supposed to be related to the applicant's future field of study. I am pretty confident that I want to pursue a Cognitive Science major!
My essay:
Why do people believe in QAnon? Or absurd theories about what "really" happened on 9/11? Perhaps it is merely ignorance. Or perhaps heuristics cause such aberrations in critical thinking.
My first introduction to heuristics was in my Theory of Knowledge class when I wrote a paper on why people believe obvious falsehoods. Cognitive shortcuts are a major reason this occurs. I began to read about various types of heuristics and how they can cloud our judgment. I wanted to know more. Why?
If I am oblivious to these faults in human reasoning, how can I ensure that my beliefs and decisions are rational? How can I truly be receptive to opposing views?
To further investigate the inner workings of human thought processes and behaviors, I decided to study AP Psychology independently. Yet, I know that I have only scratched the surface. I long to delve into this subject further by researching the relationship between cognitive schema and the formulation of belief systems as well as how they govern human behavior. It is imperative that I become acutely aware of my perspective's shortcomings and probe my thoughts for hidden biases.
Only then can I consider myself a true seeker of knowledge.
Questbridge essays are supposed to be personal, but I'm struggling with this essay because it seems very mundane. I am interested in the topic, but I'm not sure how to make it more personal. Thank you for reading and/or providing feedback.