In each step of the research process, our judgment is prone to biases (silent prejudices).

Confirmation Bias - weighing information which supports our own ideas more heavily

Availability Bias - weighing readily available information more heavily

Recency Bias - giving more weight to recently received information

Anchoring and Adjustment - failure to incorporate new information which challenges previous information

Hindsight Bias - assuming, after the fact, you would have made the right decision

Groupthink Bias - giving greater weight to the consensus or senior opinion

Escalation of Commitment Bias - not "cutting your losses"

Overconfidence Bias - overestimating your own ability to make accurate decisions

They are part of human nature and it is normal for our minds to apply mental shortcuts in order to filter and process information. These mental shortcuts can substantially affect and influence how we make decisions. It is critical that we understand these biases exist and how to overcome them.

1. How have you experienced bias in your life? How might biases affect how you apply the research process?

2. Name a strategy to overcome biases.