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Bias means having an opinion or being drawn to an idea based on a previous belief or experience. Bias can prevent us from considering alternative explanations or ideas. We all have biases, and it's likely that we aren't even aware of them - because much of our thinking is unconscious. However, knowing about types of bias, and thinking about how this might impact our thinking can help! Recognizing that others have bias is important too.
Explore the content below to learn more.
Looking for bias in yourself:
Looking for bias in yourself:
There are a number of biases / factors that impact your thinking and ability to evaluate science information and sources.
For a two-page summary / handout of this content, click HERE.
Confirmation Bias
Confirmation Bias
We tend to look for / remember information that confirms what we already believe.
We might also be less likely to fact check something we "know" is true (Source:1).
This is why we might seek to join groups / become friends with people who share similar views.
Overconfidence
Overconfidence
We think we know more than we do! We sometimes assume we have a complete picture of a complex issue - when in reality, there is a lot we don't see / don't know about (Source: 1).
It's like seeing an iceberg from the surface of the water and assuming you know how big it is - when in reality, there is so much below the surface that you can't see!
The Halo Effect
The Halo Effect
We have a tendency to like (or dislike) everything about a person, including things we have never observed / know nothing about (Source: 1).
For example, we might perceive someone as more trustworthy because we think they are intelligent, even if we don't have any experience with that person to verify that they are trustworthy.
Assuming Familiar Information is True
Assuming Familiar Information is True
Being exposed to the same information more than once, even if it's false, makes us more susceptible to believing it (Source: 2).
In particular, when you see something shared by multiple sources, you are more likely to think it’s true, which is why people spreading disinformation try to put their messages everywhere! (This is called “Firehosing”) (Source: 3)
Fatigue: Too Tired to Think
Fatigue: Too Tired to Think
If we are tired or mentally depleted, we have a more difficult time evaluating information carefully, or focusing on the task (Source:1).
Strong Emotions Impact Judgement
Strong Emotions Impact Judgement
Our feelings impact our thinking and decision making.
In particular, feeling anger or strong emotions may promote biased and intuitive reasoning rather than more deliberate and rational thinking (Sources 4, 5).
A common disinformation tactic is to appeal to strong emotions, such as outrage, fear, and anger.
Now that I know about these biases, what can I do?
Now that I know about these biases, what can I do?
Here are some tips to help be aware of / manage your biases:
Here are some tips to help be aware of / manage your biases:
Before beginning a search, reflect on your opinions / beliefs about the topic.
How might these impact how you evaluate information you read?
Recognize that social media algorithms will often provide you with information similar to what you’ve already ‘liked’ / based on who you follow, so you may not be getting a range of views in your feed.
Actively look for perspectives other than your own - try to find a diversity of views.
Be open to conversation and changing your mind.
Be humble. Recognize that there may be a lot you don’t know - and that’s ok!
Admit when you’re not sure about something - and keep learning!
Slow down your decision making and think carefully about the reasons you are making a particular decision / choice.
Can you back up your decision with evidence? (Rather than a ‘gut feeling’?)
Talk with others about your biases
Check on sources of information - are they reputable? Do multiple reputable sources state the same information?
Take regular breaks from information searching / social media so that you can come back refreshed!
Prioritize sleep and healthy sleep habits.
Check in with yourself and how you are feeling regularly. If you are feeling strong emotions, it may be good to go for a short walk outside, talk to someone you trust, or take a break before going back to social media.
Be aware of how disinformation tactics play on our biases:
Look for disinformation tactics that appeal to emotions in the media you consume.
Remember that reading / seeing something multiple times does not guarantee that it’s true. (Be aware of firehosing as a disinformation tactic - false information is often spread widely!) (Source: 6)
For an intro to unconscious bias, check out this video from the Royal Society.
It's also important to look for bias in what you are reading / watching.
It's also important to look for bias in what you are reading / watching.
For example, consider:
For example, consider:
who sponsored the content / who is profiting from the sharing?
what is the motivation for sharing it?
is the source of information satire (for comedy)?
are there any disinformation tactics / red flags that make you question the trustworthiness of the information / source?
Below are some additional resources on spotting bias in news / media:
Below are some additional resources on spotting bias in news / media:
Bias in News / Media:
Poster: 5 Types of Bias in News Coverage (from newslit.org)
One Page Infographic: Beyond Fake News - 10 Types of Misleading News (from eavi.org)
Sources:
1. Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow. Macmillan.
2. De Keersmaecker, J., Dunning, D., Pennycook, G., Rand, D. G., Sanchez, C., Unkelbach, C., & Roets, A. (2020). Investigating the robustness of the illusory truth effect across individual differences in cognitive ability, need for cognitive closure, and cognitive style. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 46(2), 204-215.
3. Flanagin, A. J., & Metzger, M. J. (2013). Trusting expert-versus user-generated ratings online: The role of information volume, valence, and consumer characteristics. Computers in Human Behavior, 29(4), 1626-1634.
4. Martel, C., Pennycook, G., & Rand, D. G. (2020). Reliance on emotion promotes belief in fake news. Cognitive research: principles and implications, 5, 1-20.
5. Weeks, B. E. (2015). Emotions, partisanship, and misperceptions: How anger and anxiety moderate the effect of partisan bias on susceptibility to political misinformation. Journal of communication, 65(4), 699-719.
6. Science Up First. (2022, September 29 ). Misformer tactic: firehose of falsehood. Science Up First. https://www.scienceupfirst.com/project/misinformer-tactic-firehose-of-falsehood/
Other References Consulted in the Development of This Resource:
Bergstrom, C. T., & West, J. D. (2021). Calling bullshit: The art of skepticism in a data-driven world. Random House Trade Paperbacks.
Caulfield, T. (2020). Does debunking work? Correcting COVID-19 misinformation on social media. University of Ottawa Press.
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