Confirmation Bias & Implicit Bias
June 27, 2024•301 words
"Ever since I learnt about confirmation bias I've started seeing it everywhere." ~ Jon Ronson
"Bias and prejudice make me angry...more than anything." ~ Rod Serling
"There's a tremendous bias against taking risks. Everyone is trying to optimize their ass-covering." ~ Elon Musk
It's important to be mindful of the impact of confirmation bias and implicit bias on student-athletes and employees.
These biases can create significant challenges, as they may lead educators and coaches to unfairly hold onto negative stereotypes about student-athletes, which can overshadow their talents and potential. Additionally, implicit bias can directly influence decisions about playing time or not being selected for a team, making it necessary to approach these decisions with the utmost sensitivity and awareness.
As educators and coaches, we hold a significant responsibility in being aware of biases and their impact on individuals. For instance, think about how a coach who has a confirmation bias that a student athlete is naturally aggressive on offense and defense may be more likely to penalize him or her for assertive behaviour on the court while overlooking similar actions from other athletes. By recognizing and addressing these biases, we can empower ourselves to create a fair and inclusive environment for all athletes.
Similarly, imagine a manager at a medium-sized company who has some biases about certain workers being less educated. They might unintentionally pay less attention to the challenges these workers face, assuming that any struggles are due to a lack of effort instead of learning difficulties. It's crucial for all of us to recognize these biases because they can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy. When we have negative expectations, they can result in outcomes that actually reinforce those expectations.