Types of Bias (SEC 345) - Chromosom3/TechNotes GitHub Wiki

There are two main types of biases. The first is a motivational bias, which is a filter that changes what we do or say from what we actually believe. The second is cognitive bias, which is an unconscious factor that can distort our beliefs.

Motivation Bias

Motivation biases include the Salesperson's Forecast, Expert's Confidence, and Certified Number. The first, Salesperson's Forecast, is when someone alters assessments, forecasts, or something similar in their best interests. The second, Expert's Confidence, is when someone who is referred to as an expert will fail to acknowledge the rage of uncertainty since they feel they need to give a more concise value. The final bias, Certified Number, is when you are trying to meet a previously stated goal, date, or something similar.

Nonverbal Bias

We prefer to scrap our own opinion in favor the the groups opinion.

Affinity Bias

An affinity bias occurs when we see someone we feel we have an affinity with. This can include going to the same college, being from the same town, or just reminding us of someone we know and like. This can cause us to want to agree with that person because we have stuff in common.

Halo/Horns Effect

Another bias is the Halo/Horns Effect. This is when we take the opinions we have about an individual or group and allow that to impact our onions about the decision or related items. This means if we really like the individual presenting the project we would be bias and like the project even though it is not optimal. The Horns Effect is the inverse of that.

Similarity Bias

Similarity Bias is when we surround ourselves with people who are similar to us. This leads us to want to work more with people who are like us.

Contrast Effect

The Contrast Effect is when you are comparing an individual to a previous one in the same position. You might compare the new IT person with the old one. This can cause issues when they have different skill sets. Instead of comparing people's skills and attributes to the previous employee, you should compare them to the skills and attributes required for the job.

Attribution Bias

When an individual does something poorly they are likely to blame external factors as the root of the issue. This shifts the blame away from them. The same individual would likely place the blame on an individual instead of outside factors if it wasn't there mistake.

Confirmation Bias

When an individual looks for evidence to support a previously made opinion. If you believe a decision will fail, you will look for evidence to support that claim and ignore any evidence that supports the decision.

Conformity Bias

Conformity Bias is when an individual makes a positive or negative evaluation of someone based on their body language, personal appearance, or style of dress.