Uncovering Bias: The Power of Critical Thinking

Uncovering Bias: The Power of Critical Thinking

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to define bias, identify examples of bias, and apply critical thinking to recognize and categorize different types of biases.

What do you already know about critical thinking and bias?

Introduction to Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to analyze, evaluate, and interpret information objectively. It involves logical reasoning and the ability to identify and challenge biases.

What is Bias?

Bias is the inclination or prejudice for or against one person or group, especially in a way considered to be unfair. It can affect decision-making and can be conscious or unconscious.

Examples of Bias

Examples of bias include gender bias, racial bias, confirmation bias, and cultural bias, among others. These biases can manifest in various aspects of life such as media, education, and employment.

Identifying Bias

Task: Review a news article and identify any potential biases present. Consider the language used, sources cited, and the overall tone of the piece.

Grouping Biases

Task: In groups, categorize the identified biases into different types such as cognitive biases, social biases, and emotional biases. Discuss the impact of each type of bias.

Types of Bias

Common types of bias include anchoring bias, availability heuristic, in-group bias, and affinity bias. Each type influences decision-making and perceptions.

Challenging Bias

Critical thinking allows us to challenge biases by seeking alternative perspectives, analyzing evidence, and considering the implications of biased beliefs and actions.

Impact of Bias

Discuss the impact of bias on individuals, communities, and society as a whole. Explore real-life scenarios where bias has led to unfair treatment and inequality.

Conclusion

Summarize the key concepts learned about bias and critical thinking. Emphasize the importance of being conscious of biases and applying critical thinking skills in decision-making.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.