What is important to us, may not be important to others. Just like what we believe to be true, others may believe it to be false.
Whether we like it or not we all have a way of thinking made up of our education, experiences and associations. This is just a part of how we are made up. Can this change…of cause it can, but it will take a lot of work and a shift in our beliefs.
There is a reason why we see what we want to see and it is due to a cognitive bias called the confirmation bias.
Confirmation bias is a cognitive bias that causes us to search for, favour, interpret, and recall information in a way that confirms our pre-existing beliefs. This cognitive bias promotes various problematic patterns of thinking, such as our tendency to ignore information that contradicts our beliefs.
EXAMPLE:
Consider the debate over gun control. (political I know)
But, let’s say Tracey is in support of the new gun control laws. She seeks out news stories and opinion pieces that reaffirm the need for limitations on gun ownership. When she hears stories about shootings in the media, she interprets them in a way that supports her existing beliefs.
Dan, on the other hand, is unwaveringly opposed to the new gun control laws. He seeks out news stories that are aligned with his position. When he comes across news stories about shootings, he interprets them in a way that supports his current point of view.
These two people have very different opinions on the same subject and their interpretations are based on their beliefs. Even if they read the same story, their bias tends to shape the way they perceive the details, further confirming their beliefs.
This is how the confirmation bias works, even if we are very “open-minded individuals” and love to dive into the “facts” we are still very likely to have some bias that will shape our opinion.
It is very hard to not allow this bias to control our opinions, how we absorb information and make our decisions but, if we are aware that this bias exists then we can make an effort to recognise it and use curiosity to help us see the opposing views and by truly listening to others and what they have to say about the topic.
So, the next time we are having a discussion, are working on a project or giving our view, try this:
- STOP and be aware that our bias is there
- Avoid forming an opinion too early
- Truly listen to the other point of view
- Ask ourselves why my reasoning could be wrong
- Ask ourselves why the alternative may be right
- Be open
Just by being aware that we all have biases it can help us be curious about why we have them or why we see things differently than others.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
“We see the world, not as it is, but as we are, or, as we are conditioned to see it.”
– Stephen R. Covey
So, when was the last time your confirmation bias took you for a ride?
Have an awesome week and Stay Ready,
Kris Mac
