Explain the concept of the illusion of control and its implications in economic decision-making.

Economics Cognitive Biases Questions



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Explain the concept of the illusion of control and its implications in economic decision-making.

The illusion of control refers to the tendency of individuals to overestimate their ability to control or influence outcomes that are actually determined by chance or external factors. In economic decision-making, this bias can lead individuals to believe that they have more control over the outcomes of their actions than they actually do. This can result in individuals taking excessive risks or making suboptimal decisions based on their false sense of control. For example, investors may believe that they have the ability to accurately predict stock market movements and make profitable trades, leading them to engage in excessive trading or speculative investments. The implications of the illusion of control in economic decision-making can include financial losses, inefficient resource allocation, and missed opportunities for more rational decision-making.