What bias means
Bias is when someone has a disproportionate or prejudged preference towards or against someone or something. Essentially, they have already made up their mind of what they think based on some details of the situation rather than the entire situation.
There are many different types of bias. The two we explore here are cognitive biases and prejudices.
Where bias comes from: cognitive biases
There are many different types of bias, many of which come from the limitations or short-cuts of the human brain. These are called cognitive biases, and examples include:
- Anchoring bias: Where we put too much focus on the first piece of information we learn, and this becomes the starting point for any further discussion.
- Attribution bias: Where we try to explain peoples behaviour with only limited information, and so we assume why they did particular things a risk that we highlighted in the previous Step.
- Confirmation bias: Where we unconsciously look for information that confirms our view of the world. We disregard information that goes against that view generally without even realising it.
- Framing bias: Where we try to fit complex events into a straightforward narrative to help explain the world. This often means that we lose essential insight because we are trying to simplify everything.
- Halo effect: Where we have a good impression of someone, and so we see all the good that they do, and unconsciously disregard the bad.
- Horn effect: Where we have a poor impression of someone, and so we mainly spot the negative things they do, and downplay the good things.
- Loss Aversion: Where we fear loss more than we value gains, and so will do more to avoid a loss than we would to gain a similar amount. This can make individuals averse to changes that involve risk.
- Self-esteem effect: Where we reinforce our importance and goodness, by mentally taking credit for collective achievements, and blaming others for things that go wrong.
Where bias comes from: prejudices
While some biases are the result of the limitations of the human brain, other prejudices are learnt or absorbed and can be more damaging.
At the core of these biases are judgements of an individual based on some characteristic, which can include:
- Age
- Appearance
- Disability
- Ethnicity
- Gender
- Income background
- Nationality
- Political views
- Religion
- Sexuality
- Social class
Acting along these biases is generally illegal in the UK. However, often these biases are not explicit and can be hard to prove. There is also evidence of bias which does not lead to outright discrimination but to ways, sometimes subtle, in which groups are disadvantaged relative to the prevailing norms.
Why does bias matter?
Bias clearly matters when individuals are discriminated against, or not given the same opportunities to contribute and thrive. This is a clear injustice, and that is why such behaviour is illegal. It also squanders the talents of those involved and undermines their abilities and contribution.
Cognitive biases are also significant because it leads to the wrong decisions being made. They are shortcuts which save thinking time, and which are frequently helpful when navigating the world with the limited brainpower that we have. But when it comes to important decisions or perspectives, mistakes can be caused by these biases.
How to identify bias
We can only identify bias when we are listening by taking a critical, questioning approach to what we are hearing. This is not an easy thing to master, and one of the reasons that this step is at the advanced end here.
The critical thing is to keep reflecting on several questions:
- What evidence is backing up the points that they are making?
- Is this evidence credible, or is it the result of a cognitive bias?
- What are they assuming, and are these assumptions biases?
- Do they show a willingness to adapt their perspective, or are they fixed in their view?
By being more aware of the cognitive biases and prejudices that exist, then we are more likely to be able to recognise them. The critical thing is to consciously think about trying to understand them.