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What is BIAS? (prejudices)

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Jieyab edited this page Sep 29, 2024 · 2 revisions

BIAS (prejudices)

BIAS is a tendency or preference that influences the way a person thinks, acts or makes decisions. BIASES can arise in a variety of contexts, such as in decision-making, judgment of others, or interpretation of information. BIAS can be positive or negative, and is often unconscious. In research, BIASES can affect results and conclusions, so it is important to identify them and reduce their impact. There are different types of BIAS, such as confirmation BIAS, social BIAS, and more. BIAS is a person's social and psychological influences such as stereotypes Societies often develop stereotypes about certain groups based on race, gender, or cultural background. In research concepts, mental is very important. The importance of mental stability is to reduce emotions, feelings or inaccurate assumptions (not based on evidence and science)

Factors that cause BIAS

In social science, BIAS intersects with "Halo Effect, Effect Dunning-Kruger" and others. Social science is difficult and gray (gray science) due to different human perspectives, interactions and situational contexts. The following are the factors that cause BIAS

  • Personal Experience

Past experiences can shape a person's views and preferences

  • Social Environment

Values and beliefs taught by family, friends or community can influence the way of thinking

  • Stereotypes and Prejudices

Preconceived notions about certain groups can lead to unfair judgments

  • Emotions

Feelings can influence decisions and judgment, often clouding objectivity.

  • Limited Information

Lack of information or access to different perspectives can reinforce BIAS

  • Media and Propaganda

The presentation of information in the media can shape a person's perspective

In research, researchers must have encountered some cases that are difficult to conclude such as what underlies the conflict, who is right and wrong, differences and historical evidence and other things. Not all cases in the research can be concluded as well as cases that are still continuing to gather information and look for valid and appropriate evidence. Therefore, it is important for a good OSINT investigator to understand what BIAS is and what forms of BIAS are out there. The importance of looking at the evidence and facts as they happen

The Challenge

Collecting data is often the easy, the hardest is processing and utilizing the data collected and after that analyzing the data, intelligence requirements you want to get answers. And we have to do all that based on facts and (test) the level of trust and confidence of the resources we use. Need to review the data that has been found, need to see from 2 different POVs such as pro and con and neutral, if you have a team of experts or acquaintances it is important to utilize those resouces for your research in context in order to verify a data and conclude and take an answer

How to fix it?

Question yourself. Whenever you have a hunch or feeling, you should ask yourself:

  • Why do I have this hunch or feeling?

  • What triggered me to have this feeling?

  • Based on what information?

  • What data have I collected that supports this feeling/hunch?

  • What data have I collected that contradicts this feeling/hunch?

  • Can I find other sources that confirm and/or refute this feeling/hunch?

  • Is there any BIAS involved?

  • What forms of BIAS?

  • Self-Awareness Being aware of the existence of BIAS in oneself is the first step. Self-reflection and evaluation of thoughts can help

  • Seeking Different Perspectives interacting with people from different backgrounds and listening to their viewpoints can help broaden understanding

  • Seeking Conflicting Evidence Actively seeking information that contradicts existing beliefs or assumptions can help reduce confirmation BIAS

  • Critical Thinking developing critical thinking skills by questioning existing information and assumptions can aid in more objective analysis

  • Open Discussion holding safe and open discussions about BIAS and stereotyping in the work environment or community can increase collective awareness

Do your task as an investigator or analyst is to always doubt yourself. Doubt the decisions you make during your investigative steps. Doubt that you collected, exploited, processed and analyzed all the information correctly in your investigation, let someone correct your findings. Show evidence of interconnected evidence as well as, proof of the source of your information and the facts of the matter

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