Understanding First Impressions and Biases

Key Concepts

First Impressions

• Importance of First Impressions:
  • Long-lasting: First impressions tend to last a long time, whether positive or negative.
  • Strong: Once a first impression is formed, it is hard to overcome.
  • Easily built upon: Subsequent information often supports the initial impression.

Primacy Bias

• Tendency of people to place greater importance on the first pieces of information they receive.
• Example: Someone perceived as messy highlights any minor mess to support their initial view.

Recency Bias

• Recent actions and performances are given more weight.
• Example: The phrase “you’re only as good as your last game” reflects recency bias.

The Retention Graph

• Axes:

  • Vertical Axis: Retention (Memory)
  • Horizontal Axis: Time

• Primacy Bias: Early information is remembered more.

• Recency Bias: Recent information is also remembered more.

• Middle Period: Information from the middle period is generally less memorable unless it's particularly significant or emotional.

Implications

• Forming Impressions:

  • Early and recent actions are most impactful when forming an impression.
  • Middle actions/events are less significant unless marked by notable incidents.

• Debate:

  • There is no unanimous verdict on whether primacy or recency bias is stronger; it may depend on the situation.