Understanding Bias: A Primer

Humans are creatures of habit and opinion, and when those two merge, we often form biases. Unbiased decision-making is a cornerstone of fairness, objectivity, and accuracy, but understanding the concept of bias can be a tricky mountain to climb. In this article, we’ll lay out the what and why of bias – and how to identify it.

What is Bias?

Bias is an inclination or preconception – especially one that interferes with impartial judgement. Bias can take the shape of positive or negative attitudes toward a particular race, religion, belief, class, place, or thing. It can be conscious or subconscious, and often develops through experience, culture, or environment.

Why is Bias Unfavorable?

Regardless of the source of bias, it’s an issue when it presents a barrier to getting the right results in any aspect of life. When bias interferes with impartial judgement, it spawns stereotypes, leads to mistakes and misjudgments, and can affect decisions derived from its influence. It’s especially important to recognize and overcome bias in the workplace, which is no easy task given the varied backgrounds, beliefs, and upbringings of colleagues.

Knowing How to Identify Bias

As bias can exist unconsciously and lie beneath the surface, it can sometimes be hard to identify. Here are a few factors to pay attention to that can indicate bias:

– Context. When considering situations and decisions, examine the context and consider what external factors might be contributing to possible biased decisions or outcomes.

– Disconfirmatory Evidence. This is evidence that does not support the current belief and can lead to further exploration, possibly unearthing clues about biases.

– Historical Taint. History may have damage the perception of minority groups or cultures and can contribute to existing biases.

– Systematic Analysis. Examine existing decision-making systems and processes to see where biases may creep in and prevent fair decision-making.

Navigating bias is no small undertaking, but recognizing where it can be a factor can help provide better results and empathy across contexts. Being aware of the biases we may possess (and even those we don’t recognize) can help create a more inclusive and equitable world. Put simply, understanding bias is the key to unlocking fair, unbiased decision-making.