What does bias refer to in decision-making?

Bias in decision-making refers to the influence of preconceived notions or prejudices that can distort judgment. This can lead individuals to favor one perspective or outcome over another, often unconsciously. For instance, bias can manifest in various ways, such as confirmation bias, where decision-makers tend to seek out information that supports their existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence. This can lead to skewed or flawed decisions that do not reflect an unbiased assessment of the situation.

In contrast, fair judgment, a neutral perspective, and comprehensive analysis are all approaches that strive to minimize or eliminate bias. These alternatives emphasize objectivity, thorough evaluation of all relevant information, and a balanced consideration of different viewpoints. Therefore, recognizing bias as the prejudiced influence in judgment is crucial for improving decision-making processes and achieving more accurate and just outcomes.