Ways to Prevent Confirmation Bias in Tech, Social Sciences & Everywhere Else

Ryan Scott Design

So often we want the results obtained to conform to our own desired outcomes. This bias is known as Confirmation Bias. Confirmation bias is, according to Investopedia, "the tendency of human beings to actively search for, interpret, and retain information that matches their preconceived notions and beliefs."

In reality, detachment from results is best. And while at a conscious level many can acknowledge the problems biases create, so many of us try to force outcomes to conform to our predetermined beliefs on how outcomes should be.

Cultivating a bias-free mindset is about removing what should be and accepting what is.

Strategies to Overcome Bias

Build Awareness

Analyzing thoughts and recognizing when we believe something without having substantial evidence is the first step in identifying biases. Where are you jumping to conclusions, assuming, or making decisions without gaining understanding and having evidence?

Consult Multiple Viewpoints

Next, if working on a team, you may consult a colleague to see if they’re able to find your thumbprint of bias and see if they have a diverse perspective to add. While we often subjectively see ourselves as rational and unbiased, it becomes clear that we aren't always when we gain an outside perspective.

Gain Perspective

We may be able to reduce our biases by exiting the echo chamber. In other words, exposing ourselves to diverse viewpoints and people is key. Since you're on NewsBreak, chances are you're already exposing yourself to multiple perspectives since NewsBreak fosters independent, user-generated journalism.

Travel

Travel has been one of the best tools to confront biases since you're exposed to different cultures and ways of living. When you learn the ways of other people, you learn that there are other ways of doing and understanding things. Your idea of "right" becomes more nuanced and complex.

Read on the best destinations in Northern Italy

Conclusion

Biases often creep into tech, the social sciences, and even our own judgments of the world and people. To think critically and gain a closer relationship with reality, it's important to expose yourself to new ideas, consult diverse people, travel, and cultivate awareness.

Ryan Scott Design

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