Cognitive bias is an important conceptual framework behind The Crash’s thematic exploration of Perception Versus Reality and the Dangers of Presumption. Cognitive bias is defined as “a systematic error in thinking, affecting how we process information, perceive others, and make decisions. It can lead to irrational thoughts or judgments and is often based on our perceptions, memories, or individual and societal beliefs” (Ruhl, Charlotte. “Cognitive Bias: How We Are Wired to Misjudge.” Simply Psychology, 24 Oct. 2023). Biases, in general, can be either conscious or unconscious. Cognitive biases are unconscious, resulting from automatic mental processes aimed at simplifying information. This is necessary given that the human brain can process only about 40 of the 11 million bits of information it receives per second. To enable timely decision-making, humans use mental shortcuts called heuristics. Sometimes these shortcuts are helpful, but other times, they lead to misperceptions and flawed judgments. Emotions and social factors also contribute to cognitive bias. There are numerous types of cognitive biases, including confirmation bias, self-serving bias, hindsight bias, anchor bias, availability bias, and inattentional blindness.

Several of the most studied cognitive biases can be observed in The Crash. Tegan’s initial assumptions about Hank and Polly, based on emotion and suggestive “evidence,” form the basis of how she interprets everything that follows.