Bias: unfair tendencies in judgment

The idea

Use bias against for the target of unfair opposition and bias toward or bias in favour of for preference.

Examples

• The study found bias against older applicants.
• We must examine bias in the selection process.
• Her bias toward familiar ideas affected the decision.
• The report describes two common biases in hiring.
• The editor checked the article for bias.
• Awareness of bias can improve our decisions.

Watch out

Bias can be unconscious; it does not always mean a deliberate decision.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct answer. The survey revealed ___ in recruitment. (bias / luggage)

   Show answer or example answer

   bias

   bias names the unfair tendency.

2. Choose the correct answer. The policy aims to reduce bias ___ women. (against / beneath)

   Show answer or example answer

   against

   against introduces the group treated unfairly.

3. Choose the correct answer. The team identified two ___. (biases / bias)

   Show answer or example answer

   biases

   biases is the plural form after two.

Use it today

Describe a way to reduce bias in a selection process.