Systems of thinking
There are 2 systems that are responsible for our thinking processes. System 1 is a near-instantaneous, quick process that happens automatically and is based on intuition and previous knowledge. System 2, on the other hand, is slower and requires a mental effort in order to produce the answer.
What are cognitive biases?
While system 1 is very efficient, its intuitive nature makes it prone to errors. It is often based on assumptions (often called heuristics) that do not match the complexity of the real world. Heuristics are mental shortcuts that generate a probable answer that would fit the overall picture, but they are rarely accurate. The patterns that are formed due to heuristics are referred to as cognitive biases. A cognitive bias is a systematic error in thinking that occurs when information is being processed and interpreted. Some cognitive biases are independent of heuristics.