Bias Blind Spot

We recognise cognitive biases more readily in other people than in ourselves.

We can observe other people's decisions and behaviour, but we usually experience our own reasoning from the inside. Because our intentions and explanations feel reasonable to us, we may overlook the unconscious influences shaping our judgement.

• You identify confirmation bias in a colleague's argument but assume your own research is completely neutral.
• You believe advertising strongly affects other shoppers while thinking your own purchases are based only on product quality.
• During a disagreement, you describe the other person as emotional while viewing your own reaction as purely rational.

• Ask, 'How might I be biased here?'
• Write down what evidence would change your opinion.
• Request feedback before finalising important decisions.
• Apply the same standard of evidence to yourself and others.
• Separate confidence from accuracy.