How to be RIGHT Check Your Bias: A Beginner's Guide

Becoming More Right by Checking Your Bias: A Beginner's Guide

Have you ever caught yourself making a snap decision and thought, "Wait, is that really fair?" We all have something called biases—built-in shortcuts that influence how we see the world. Checking these biases is crucial because it helps us make more accurate, fair decisions, especially as these subconscious thoughts can sometimes lead us away from reality.

What Are Biases and Why Do They Matter?

A bias is simply a mental shortcut that helps our brains make quick judgments, often based on our past experiences or information we’ve absorbed from our surroundings, like family, friends, and media. However, these shortcuts can become harmful when they’re based on stereotypes or lead us to unfairly judge people and situations. For instance, a study by Staats (2016) found that biases often influence everything from hiring practices to social interactions, sometimes leading people to treat others unfairly without even realizing it.

Types of Bias and How They Sneak In

Some biases are more obvious (like explicit bias), but others are hidden, like implicit bias. Implicit biases work under the radar, meaning we might not even be aware of them. For example, we might assume certain things about someone just because they belong to a certain group, even if we don't consciously endorse those stereotypes. Studies have shown that everyone carries implicit biases, but they’re easier to manage when we recognize them (Psychology Today, 2022).

Steps to Recognize and Check Your Bias

1. Take a Bias Test: One effective way to uncover your hidden biases is through tests like Harvard’s Implicit Association Test (IAT). These tests can give you an idea of where you might be unconsciously favoring or disfavoring certain groups.

2. Practice Self-Reflection: Mindfulness and self-reflection can help you notice moments where your biases might be influencing your reactions. Writing in a journal or taking time to meditate on your daily interactions can be great ways to catch and reconsider automatic thoughts (Psychology Today, 2023).

3. Expose Yourself to Different Perspectives: One of the best ways to break down bias is to actively seek out diverse experiences and people. When we hear directly from others about their lives, our brains start to form new, less stereotypical associations. This can be done by joining groups, reading diverse authors, or watching media that feature people different from us.

4. Ask Questions, Listen More: Open conversations and asking questions with genuine curiosity can reveal new insights and broaden your perspective. Studies show that empathy grows when we take the time to listen actively and seek to understand others (Fisher, 2022).

5. Challenge Stereotypes in Your Thinking: Another way to combat bias is by noticing and challenging stereotypes when they appear in your thoughts. This can be done by asking yourself, “Why do I feel this way?” and “Is this based on facts or assumptions?”

Why It’s Important to Check Your Bias

Unchecked biases can create unfair situations for others, and they can also cloud your own judgment, leading to poorer decision-making in both personal and professional life. Research has shown that organizations that encourage open, bias-aware decision-making tend to be more innovative and successful (Wilson, 2023). Plus, actively working to recognize and dismantle your biases can make you a more compassionate, accurate thinker.

Moving Forward with Awareness

Addressing bias isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. The more you understand your biases, the better you can manage them, which opens you up to being more empathetic, accurate, and fair-minded. Remember, it’s normal to have biases—it’s a part of being human. The goal isn’t to eliminate them but to make them visible and manageable so they don’t control you.

With awareness and effort, we can learn to check our biases, leading to more thoughtful, right decisions and a fairer, more open-minded world. By learning to check our assumptions, we also become better equipped to navigate the diverse world around us, fostering understanding and growth. For further learning, visit

Brent Fisher

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Psychology Today

ead Staats’ research on implicit bias in decision-making.