Unconscious Bias
Read and discuss the following types of biases and their definitions as defined by the University of Kent.
Affinity bias
Affinity bias is when we unconsciously prefer someone because they have a similar background or have had similar experiences to ourselves or someone we like. Perhaps they went to the same school as you, support the same football team or have binged on the same TV shows as you have. These affinities are appealing but aren't a true indicator of ability or potential.
Conformity bias
Conformity bias, also known as 'group think' relates to bias caused by group peer pressure. We naturally seek acceptance from those around us and tend to behave similarly rather than using our own personal judgement in certain situations.
Confirmation bias
When we make a judgement about another person, we subconsciously look for information to back up our assumptions. We do this because we want to believe that we're right in our judgements. However, the danger with this is that our own instinct-based judgement could be very wrong.
The horns effect
This is the opposite of the 'halo effect' where a perceived negative attribute influences our whole opinion on an individual. This can stem from anything and, just like the halo effect, prevents us noticing and objectively considering other information about that person.
The halo effect
The halo effect refers to what happens when we see one great thing about a person, (possibly linked with an affinity bias) or focus on a strong skill they possess. The halo glow of that significant attribute impacts on our opinions of everything else about that person and can cause us to overlook other information.
Discussion Questions:
How does affinity bias impact our ability to make fair and unbiased judgments about others?
In what ways can conformity bias hinder individual decision-making and critical thinking?
How does confirmation bias affect our perception of others and the accuracy of our judgments?
Can you provide examples of situations where the horns effect might influence our opinions of someone?
How does the halo effect contribute to biased judgments and potentially overlooking important information about a person?
What strategies can we employ to overcome or mitigate affinity bias in our decision-making processes?
How can awareness of conformity bias help individuals make more independent and objective choices?
How does confirmation bias impact our ability to consider alternative perspectives and challenge our own assumptions?
How can we recognise and address the horns effect to ensure fair and unbiased evaluations of individuals?
What steps can individuals take to avoid letting the halo effect cloud their judgment and perception of others?
How does affinity bias in hiring practices contribute to a lack of diversity and inclusion in organisations?
Can you think of any real-world examples where conformity bias has led to detrimental outcomes or poor decision-making?
How can we actively seek out information that challenges our confirmation bias and promotes a more balanced view of others?
What are the potential consequences of relying solely on the halo effect when evaluating someone's competence or character?
How can organisations and institutions promote awareness and combat biases like affinity, conformity, confirmation, horns, and halo effects in their policies and practices?
