Understanding Biases
Biases refer to the systematic patterns of deviation between observed reality and an individual’s perceptions of reality. These biases can influence our decisions, judgments, and interactions with others.
Types of Biases
- Confirmation Bias
- Halo Effect
- Availability Bias
Examples of Biases
One common example of bias is the confirmation bias, where individuals tend to search for information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs. Another example is the halo effect, where our overall impression of a person influences how we perceive their specific traits.
Case Studies
A study conducted by Harvard University found that resumes with traditionally white-sounding names received 50% more callbacks for interviews than those with traditionally black-sounding names. This demonstrates the presence of biases in hiring practices.
Statistics on Biases
A survey by the Pew Research Center revealed that 68% of Americans feel that fake news causes confusion about basic facts, highlighting the impact of biases in media and information dissemination.
