Is there any case, or paper that has looked at the parallel between the structure and function of the nervous system, and cognitive biases ?

Assignment Brief

This paper deals with the core theme of A Neural Network Framework for Cognitive Bias that carries the prevailing theoretical perspectives on the origin of heuristics and cognitive biases.

1. Is there any case, or paper that has looked at the parallel between the structure and function of the nervous system, and cognitive biases? In particular, is there evidence to show that some neurotransmitters/molecules actually have the biggest influence on our biases?
2. Conversely, is the other way round true too? eg. does following/being part of a crowd release certain reward molecules? Are there any medical/scientific examples or research papers?
3. Finally, I would love to finish with an interesting case/anecdote from the latest in neuroscience and behavior/biases .. is there something you have come across or that people are talking about in your profession?

Sample Answer

Theoretical Perspectives on Neural Structure and Cognitive Bias

1. Neural Network Framework for Cognitive Bias

Yes, there is solid research linking brain structures and neurotransmitters directly to common decision-making biases. For example, a neural network model argues that many cognitive biases (like confirmation bias or the availability heuristic) arise naturally from how our brain’s neural circuits are organised. These patterns, such as favouring familiar information or focusing only on dominant signals, aren’t arbitrary; they reflect basic principles of how neural networks work: association, compatibility, retention, and focus.

2. Neurotransmitters Influencing Cognitive Bias

Certain chemicals in the brain do influence our biases. Notably:

• Dopamine, found in the striatum and VTA, plays a key role in reward processing and can amplify reward‑based biases, like overconfidence or the “superiority illusion”.

• Noradrenaline, from the locus coeruleus, affects our attentional biases, heightening alertness to familiar or emotionally significant stimuli .

• Serotonin and other compounds like oxytocin are involved in social alignment and conformity, which usually reduce dissent and encourage following the majority view.

3. Social Context Influencing Neurochemistry

The impact goes both ways. Being part of a group can directly alter our brain chemistry:

• Conforming to crowds releases dopamine and endorphins, rewarding social harmony and reinforcing group behaviour.

• Studies have shown increased neural activity in the striatum and medial prefrontal cortex when people align their opinions with a group, and hormones like oxytocin and dopamine enhance this process.

4. Recent Insight from Neuroscience

A fascinating case is the “superiority illusion”: most people view themselves as better than average. Modern brain imaging and PET scans have shown that dopamine D₂ receptors in the striatum and its connectivity with the frontal cortex influence how strongly someone exhibits this biased self-view.
This means a personality trait, viewing oneself more positively than is realistic, is rooted in specific neural pathways and chemical signals.

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