Representative Bias

Definition

Representative bias occurs when people make decisions or judgments about individuals based on stereotypes or generalizations about a group they belong to, rather than considering their unique characteristics or circumstances. It happens when someone assumes that a person will behave or act in a certain way simply because of their membership in a particular group, such as a gender, race, age group, or profession.

Example

A hiring manager avoids hiring older candidates for a tech startup because they assume older individuals are less tech-savvy and struggle to keep up with new trends. This assumption is based on stereotypes about age rather than evaluating each candidate's skills, experience, or ability to adapt. By relying on this stereotype, the hiring manager is exhibiting representative bias.

Why it Matters

Representative bias matters because it can lead to unfair and inaccurate decisions in various aspects of life, such as employment, education, healthcare, and criminal justice. It reinforces stereotypes and prevents individuals from being judged fairly based on their individual merits. By understanding and addressing representative bias, we can work toward more equitable decision-making processes.