How Bias Distorts Evidence and Its Assessment

Abstract

Scientific policy advisers collect information and on its basis formulate alternative policy options for policy-makers to consider. Throughout the process, biases can cause systematically distorted perceptions of facts and opinions in virtue of which advisers fail to weigh evidence, assessments and points of view objectively. The chapter first develops a better understanding of unconscious biases, what they are and how they occur. It then introduces the phenomenon of cognitive dissonance, which explains why we are intrinsically biased. Next, it describes and illustrates some well-known and some lesser-known biases. Finally, the chapter proposes the bias wheel as a practical method of checking for bias and promoting bias-awareness.