Yhteisvaikutusvirheet

Yhteisvaikutusvirheet, often translated as interaction errors or synergistic errors, refer to a type of cognitive bias that occurs when the combined effect of multiple factors or influences is greater, or different, than the sum of their individual effects. This phenomenon highlights that in complex systems, the whole can be more than, or unlike, the sum of its parts.

These errors can arise in various domains, including decision-making, problem-solving, and risk assessment. For instance, in a team setting, two seemingly minor issues that are individually manageable might, when they occur simultaneously, create a disproportionately larger problem due to their interaction. Similarly, in a medical context, the combination of two drugs might produce a side effect that is much more severe than the side effect of either drug taken alone.

Understanding yhteisvaikutusvirheet is crucial for effective planning and management. It emphasizes the importance of considering how different elements or events might influence each other, rather than analyzing them in isolation. Recognizing this tendency can help individuals and organizations anticipate potential problems and develop more robust strategies. This concept is closely related to systems thinking, which encourages viewing situations holistically and understanding the interdependencies between components.