Illusory correlation, what does it consist of?

The illusory correlation allows us to establish relationships between two environmental variables, regardless of whether they have a real relationship or not. It is a phenomenon based on the processing of information to be able to function in the environment that surrounds us.

However, many times our interpretation of what we observe in the environment may not fully correspond to reality, making assumptions about what we observe based on our experience. A clear example of the illusory correlation is what can be found behind stereotypes and prejudices towards certain people.

What is illusory correlation?

Illusory correlation is the phenomenon by which two or more elements are related.. It constitutes a confirmation bias in which, through the relationship of these elements, the experience of the individual intervenes, labeling these elements as interdependent elements, which does not have to be that way in reality.

The individual’s experience does not have to be direct when establishing certain associations. In other words, some beliefs established in society can favor this type of bias. without the person having had direct experience.

An example could be labeling people with tattoos and skin piercings as dangerous people, while people in uniform can be labeled as educated, correct people with great purchasing power.

Characteristics of illusory correlation

The illusory correlation implies that we often pay attention to these cognitive biases. That is, we firmly believe in the relationship between two variables that have no reason to be related. In simple terms, illusory correlation means that certain mental processes are simplified, causing us to act based on what our experience (whether direct or indirect) tells us.

In this sense, the behaviors of certain groups in society are simplified, characterized as negative and, therefore, acting according to the information we have most available. Therefore, it also works as a mental shortcut mechanism in which the relationship between two or more variables is simplified..

Illusory correlation and social psychology

Society influences certain types of beliefs, behaviors and attitudes. Depending on the context, we can behave in one way or another, showing ourselves more comfortable in our social group.

Therefore, The illusory correlation influences phenomena such as membership in certain social groups, increasing intergroup differences in some cases. This is explained by certain forms of thinking that favor the group that we feel identified with, seeking positive distinctiveness in our group.

Examples in the social world

The range of possibilities in which an illusory correlation can occur is wide.. To be more specific, some would be:

People with tattoos labeled directly as criminals. Few economic resources can be related to a low level of education. Races other than one’s own labeled as dangerous people. People with good physical appearance and good clothing as people with a high level of education and purchasing power. Etc.

Other examples of illusory correlation

The illusory correlation not only labels our social world, but, depending on the level of probabilities of an event having occurred, the processing of that phenomenon is anchored as something that will invariably happen other times. It can be exemplified by the following:

Amulets

A person who has had several negative events hears that certain amulets remove “bad energy.” Therefore, he tries those amulets and realizes that they bring him “better luck.”

Thus, the use of amulets is associated with “preventing bad energies.”. Even though there are bad days despite the use of amulets, the person will most likely try to wear them.

Horoscope

Another of the clearest examples of the illusory correlation is usually the horoscope. Reading the horoscope influences certain processes of perception of reality.

In other words, the person who reads your horoscope will believe in the characteristics that describe you as they are general assumptions that fit the majority of the population. Thus, they cling to the reality that best fits, paying less attention to those details that do not usually characterize the person.

Luck

Similar to wearing amulets, luck is another of the phenomena most vulnerable to illusory correlation.. For example, the person who usually conducts job interviews wearing a specific pair of socks and notices that they do better conducting interviews with that pair of socks.

On the contrary, bad luck can also be classified under clothing, people, objects, etc. In short, the illusory correlation explains how we behave towards certain objects or people also based on previous experience.

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