2.3: Biases

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Biases

Section Learning Objectives

Identify and understand the impact of personal filters and beliefs on perception and judgment, recognizing various types of biases that affect critical thinking and decision-making processes.
Analyze how biases in the news and media can shape public opinion and perception, developing strategies for critically evaluating information to uncover underlying biases.
Explore different types of biases, including cognitive, confirmation, and societal biases, and apply critical thinking techniques to mitigate their influence on personal reasoning and the interpretation of information.
Define the connection between the theories of biases and argumentative reading and writing.

person standing between two paths filled with people decorative image of person thinking

Introduction

This chapter navigates the intricate terrain of biases. Bias is a critical aspect of human cognition, one that impacts critical thinking and writing. Biases, the unconscious inclinations or prejudices that shape our perceptions and judgments, are central to understanding how we interpret information, make decisions, and communicate with others. Through a critical thinking and writing lens, this exploration is particularly relevant to community college students, who tend to find themselves at a pivotal stage of developing analytical, academic, and personal skills.

Our journey begins with an overview of the various types of biases—cognitive, confirmation, cultural, and others—that influence our thought processes. By identifying and understanding these biases, students are better positioned to critically evaluate their own perspectives and the information they encounter daily. This chapter highlights the theoretical underpinnings of biases and emphasizes their practical implications to academic research and writing.

We will explore strategies needed to recognize biases and mitigate their effects. Students are encouraged to confront their biases and challenge themselves to think deeply and objectively about the subjects they study and discuss.

Overcoming biases extends beyond academic success. It is essential for effective participation in a diverse and increasingly interconnected world. By cultivating an awareness of biases, students can enhance their ability to engage with varying perspectives and navigate complex social and cultural landscapes with empathy and insight.

Ultimately, this chapter equips students with the tools to identify and counteract biases in their thinking and writing and to appreciate the richness and diversity of human thought. By embracing this challenge, students can develop greater clarity in communication, along with stronger arguments, to lay the foundation for a lifetime of critical inquiry and thoughtful engagement with the world around them.

Biases: Understanding and Navigating Their Influence

Biases amount to inferences about other people and situations that are often drawn in illogically. They are, however, intrinsic to human thought, and they affect perceptions across many facets of our lives. From a critical thinking and writing perspective, recognizing and mitigating biases is crucial to clear, objective, and effective communication.

Definition: Types of Biases

Types of Biases

Confirmation Bias: The tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms one's preexisting beliefs or hypotheses while giving disproportionately less consideration to alternative possibilities.
Anchoring Bias: The common human tendency to rely too heavily on the first piece of information offered (the "anchor") when making decisions.
Cognitive Bias: A broad category that includes any distortions in the way we perceive reality. This can influence all aspects of critical thinking and decision-making.
Availability Heuristic: A mental shortcut that relies on immediate examples that come to mind when evaluating a topic, concept, method, or decision.
Self-serving Bias: The habit of attributing positive events to one's own character but attributing negative events to external factors.
Bias Blind Spot: The tendency to see oneself as less biased than other people, or to be able to identify more cognitive biases in others than in oneself.

Example of Biases $\PageIndex{1}$

Confirmation Bias

Maria, a community college student in central California, believes that online courses are less effective than in-person classes. When researching the effectiveness of online education, she focuses on articles and studies that highlight the challenges and disadvantages of online learning while ignoring or downplaying research that shows positive outcomes and high levels of student satisfaction in online courses. Her preexisting belief that online courses are inferior influences her interpretation of the information she finds.

Anchoring Bias

Javier, another student, is considering transferring to a university after completing his community college degree. He hears from a friend that the tuition at the nearest state university is $20,000 per year. When Javier looks at other universities, he uses this figure as a benchmark and perceives any tuition higher than $20,000 as exorbitant - or too high, even though some universities might offer more comprehensive programs or better financial aid packages. The initial figure he heard acts as an anchor, affecting his perception of all subsequent tuition costs and he does not research all his options for scholarships and more affordable programs.

Cognitive Bias

Sarah, who works part-time while attending college, assumes that because her friends and coworkers all believe that a particular local business is the best place to work, this must be true. She doesn’t seek out other opinions or consider different factors that might influence her job satisfaction, such as opportunities for growth or alignment with her career goals. Her perception is distorted by the consensus in her immediate social circle, demonstrating a cognitive bias that influences her critical thinking and decision-making.

Availability Heuristic

Luis is deciding whether to take a course in agricultural sciences. He recalls several recent news stories about droughts and the decline of farming in central California. These vivid examples immediately come to mind and lead him to conclude that pursuing a career in agriculture might be risky, despite statistical evidence showing that there are many stable and growing opportunities in the agricultural sector. His decision is influenced by the availability of recent information rather than a thorough analysis of all relevant data.

Self-serving Bias

Teresa receives a high grade on her midterm exam and attributes it to her hard work and intelligence. However, when she performs poorly on a subsequent exam, she blames the difficulty of the test and the instructor’s teaching style rather than considering that she might not have studied as effectively. This self-serving bias leads her to attribute positive outcomes to her own efforts and negative outcomes to external factors.

Bias Blind Spot

Jake often critiques his classmates for their biased views on political issues, believing that he is more objective and fair-minded than they are. He fails to recognize his own biases, such as his tendency to favor sources that align with his political beliefs and dismiss those that challenge his views. This bias blind spot makes it difficult for him to acknowledge and address his own cognitive biases.

These examples illustrate how various cognitive biases can affect the perceptions and decisions of community college students in central California, influencing their academic and personal lives.

Importance of Limiting Biases in Everyday and Academic Life

Biases can significantly impact both everyday and academic life. In everyday life, biases can influence our decisions, from trivial choices like what food to eat, to significant ones such as which candidate to vote for in an election. In academic contexts, biases can affect the research process, from the formulation of a hypothesis to the interpretation of data, leading to skewed results and conclusions.

Understanding the role of biases is essential for critical thinking and writing, as it enables individuals to question assumptions, evaluate evidence more effectively, and present arguments more persuasively. Recognizing one's biases can lead to a more open-minded approach to learning and understanding complex issues.

Strategies to Mitigate Biases

Awareness: The first step in mitigating biases is to become aware of them. Regular reflection on one's thoughts and decisions can help identify patterns of biased thinking.
Seek Contrary Evidence: Actively seeking information that contradicts your preconceptions can counteract confirmation bias and broaden your perspective.
Diverse Perspectives: Engaging with a wide range of viewpoints can challenge and refine your thinking, reducing the impact of echo chambers.
Critical Questioning: Asking critical questions about the source, context, and evidence of the information you receive can help mitigate biases.
Peer Review: In academic contexts, peer review can provide an external check on biases, offering feedback from multiple perspectives.
Education and Training: Formal education and training in critical thinking and cognitive biases can develop skills to recognize and counteract biases more effectively.

Biases are an unavoidable part of human cognition, but their impact can be mitigated through deliberate strategies aimed at fostering critical thinking and open-mindedness. By understanding the types of biases and their influence on our everyday and academic lives, individuals can take meaningful steps towards more objective analysis, decision-making, and communication. In the realm of critical thinking and writing, recognizing and addressing biases is not just an academic exercise but a practical skill that enhances clarity, fairness, and effectiveness in our interactions with the world.

What is Being Filtered Out of Your Search?

"Explaining the filter bubble - Version 2" by ptrlx is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

The idea of filter bubbles was introduced nearly ten years ago by Eli Pariser. The idea is that information providers are tracking your online activity in order to target what they have determined are your information needs. We will cover this in greater detail in the Research Methods Chapter on creating neutral research questions.

Even almost ten years later, many people still haven't heard of filter bubbles. If you haven't, you might find the information a bit unnerving. Try searching for Pariser's TED Talk from 2011. A few years ago, Eli Pariser was interviewed by Wired magazine to discuss how Pariser's warning of filter bubbles had evolved over time.

Reading one: From Wired website: Eli Pariser Predicted the Future. Now He Can’t Escape It by Jesse Hempel

How We Confirm Our Own Beliefs

Our beliefs and opinions are constantly shaped and reinforced by the information we consume. However, the process by which we take in and interpret information is often influenced by various cognitive biases and external factors. One of the key mechanisms at play is confirmation bias, which leads us to favor information that aligns with our preexisting beliefs while dismissing or undervaluing information that challenges them. This phenomenon is closely linked to the concept of filter bubbles, which further shape our information intake.

Filter Bubbles: Shaping Our Information Environment

Filter bubbles are a significant external force that affects the information we take in. They are created by algorithms used by search engines, social media platforms, and other digital services that personalize content based on our past behavior and preferences. While this personalization can make our online experience more convenient and relevant, it also has the effect of isolating us from information that contradicts our beliefs. This creates a bubble where we are primarily exposed to viewpoints and news that reinforce our existing opinions.

For example, if a student regularly clicks on articles that are critical of a particular political party, the algorithms of social media platforms will prioritize showing similar content, further entrenching the student’s views. As a result, they may become less likely to encounter diverse perspectives or challenging viewpoints, which could otherwise broaden their understanding and encourage critical thinking.

Internal Influences: Cognitive Biases

In addition to filter bubbles, our own cognitive biases play a crucial role in how we process information. Confirmation bias, as mentioned earlier, is the tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms our preexisting beliefs. This bias can manifest in several ways:

Selective Exposure: We naturally gravitate towards information sources that align with our beliefs and avoid those that do not. This selective exposure limits our understanding and keeps us within our comfort zone.
Interpretative Bias: Even when we encounter the same piece of information, our interpretation of it can be skewed by our existing beliefs. This means that two individuals with different viewpoints can read the same article and come away with entirely different conclusions.
Memory Bias: We are more likely to remember information that supports our beliefs and forget or misremember information that contradicts them. Over time, this selective memory strengthens our existing beliefs.

The Interaction Between Filter Bubbles and Confirmation Bias

The interplay between filter bubbles and confirmation bias creates a powerful feedback loop that can significantly influence our beliefs. As we continue to consume information that aligns with our views, our beliefs become more entrenched. This can lead to a polarized view of the world where we are less open to new ideas and opposing perspectives. The lack of exposure to diverse viewpoints makes it harder to engage in critical thinking and evaluate information objectively.

Bubble

"Bubble" by zacktionman is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

Mitigating the Impact

To counteract the effects of filter bubbles and confirmation bias, it is essential to adopt strategies that promote critical thinking and a balanced intake of information:

Seek Out Diverse Sources: Actively look for information from a variety of sources, especially those that offer different perspectives. This can help you gain a more comprehensive understanding of issues and reduce the impact of filter bubbles.
Question Your Beliefs: Regularly reflect on your beliefs and consider why you hold them. Be open to the possibility that you might be wrong and seek out evidence that challenges your views.
Engage in Critical Evaluation: Critically evaluate the information you encounter by assessing its source, quality, and the evidence supporting it. This helps in distinguishing between reliable information and biased or misleading content.

By being aware of how filter bubbles and cognitive biases influence our information intake and beliefs, we can take proactive steps to ensure a more balanced and informed perspective. This awareness is crucial for developing strong critical thinking skills and making well-rounded decisions.

Bias in News

In today's polarized political climate, bias in the news has become increasingly prevalent, influencing how we perceive and interpret events. The journalistic landscape has shifted dramatically over the past twenty years. Where journalists once held a highly respected position, with objectivity being the cornerstone of their profession, many news outlets now openly discuss and promote their political leanings. This change has fostered an environment where understanding our own confirmation biases is more challenging than ever.

The rise of yellow journalism and editorializing has further complicated our ability to get unbiased news. Sensationalism and emotionalism are often employed to capture attention, making it essential for readers to discern facts from opinions. To avoid being swayed by such tactics, it is crucial to look at both sides of a story and analyze it critically.

One effective way to navigate media bias is by using resources like AllSides.com. This website provides a comprehensive view by presenting the same story from left, center, and right-leaning news sources. By comparing these perspectives, students can better understand how bias shapes news coverage and develop a more balanced viewpoint.

I encourage you to explore AllSides.com and read stories from different political perspectives. This practice will not only help you recognize bias but also enhance your critical thinking skills. We'll delve deeper into this topic next week, examining how media bias affects our understanding of the world.

Donald Trump Sr. at #FITN in Nashua, NH Republican vs. Democrat 2012 President Biden Previews Images from Webb Space Telescope (NHQ202207110018)

"Donald Trump Sr. at #FITN in Nashua, NH" by Michael Vadon is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

"Republican vs. Democrat 2012" by DonkeyHotey is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

"President Biden Previews Images from Webb Space Telescope (NHQ202207110018)" by NASA HQ PHOTO is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Connecting Argumentative Reading and Writing to Bias

Biases play a significant role in shaping both the construction and interpretation of arguments. In argumentative reading, recognizing biases is crucial for evaluating the credibility and reliability of sources. Biases can distort facts and present skewed viewpoints, leading to flawed conclusions. By identifying biases, students can critically assess the quality of the arguments they read, distinguishing between well-supported claims and those influenced by prejudice.

In argumentative writing, being aware of personal biases helps writers create more balanced and objective arguments. It is essential to present evidence fairly and consider multiple perspectives to strengthen the argument's credibility. Addressing potential biases openly can also enhance the writer’s ethos, demonstrating a commitment to critical thinking and ethical reasoning. Thus, recognizing and mitigating biases is integral to both analyzing and crafting effective arguments in academic settings.

Attributions:

The content above was assisted by ChatGPT in outlining and organizing information. The final material was curated, edited, authored, and arranged through human creativity, originality, and subject expertise of the Coalinga College English Department and the Coalinga College Library Learning Resource Center and is therefore under the CC BY NC SA license when applicable. To see resources on AI and copyright please see the United States Copyright Office 2023 Statement and the following case study on using AI assistance but curating and creating with human originality and creativity.

Images without specific attribution were generated with the assistance of ChatGPT 2024 and are not subject to any copyright restrictions, in accordance with the United States Copyright Office 2023 Statement.

The above text is remixed from:

Confirmation Bias and Filter Bubbles

11: Confirmation Bias and Filter Bubbles is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

This chapter was compiled, reworked, and/or written by Andi Adkins Pogue and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

Pariser, E. (2011). Beware online “filter bubbles” [Video file]. TED https://www.ted.com/talks/eli_pariser_beware_online_filter_bubbles