Cognitive biases in professional self-determination: paradox of choice effect
Abstract. In the article the authors study the influence of cognitive biases and the paradox of choice effect on professional self-determination of an individual in a dynamic and oversaturated labor market. The study includes theoretical analysis and synthesis of psychological and pedagogical papers on the problem of decision-making in conditions of an excess of alternatives. It was found that the paradox of choice manifests itself as a complex phenomenon leading to a decrease in the quality of decisions, an increase in anxiety and a decrease in choice satisfaction. Its consequences are revealed in three levels: cognitive, emotional, social. From a didactic point of view, to level these effects, it is necessary to move from the transmission of ready-made knowledge to the formation of metacognitive skills and competencies of conscious choice. The article proposes a system of didactic techniques (scenario analysis, debriefing, learning to recognize biases) and a set of strategies combining cognitive and psychological influence and pedagogical support. It has been proven that overcoming the negative impact of the paradox of choice requires a synthesis of psychological support aimed at minimizing cognitive biases and pedagogical technologies that develop the ability to conscious self-determination. The implementation of such an approach transforms professional choice from a stressful situation into a conscious act, contributing to the formation of professional identity in the conditions of uncertainty of the modern labor market.