Bias Questions to Ask
Thoughtful questions to ask about bias that help you understand different perspectives, challenge assumptions, and promote critical thinking while fostering open dialogue and mutual understanding.
1What biases do you think you might have that you're not fully aware of?
Click to see why this works
What biases do you think you might have that you're not fully aware of?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
This question encourages self-reflection and awareness while creating a safe space for people to explore their own potential biases without judgment.
2How do you think your background and experiences have shaped your perspective on this topic?
Click to see why this works
How do you think your background and experiences have shaped your perspective on this topic?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
This question acknowledges that everyone has unique experiences that influence their views while encouraging thoughtful reflection on how these factors contribute to bias.
3What information or perspectives might you be missing that could change your viewpoint?
Click to see why this works
What information or perspectives might you be missing that could change your viewpoint?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
This question promotes intellectual humility and encourages people to consider alternative viewpoints and information they might not have encountered.
4How do you distinguish between facts and opinions in your decision-making process?
Click to see why this works
How do you distinguish between facts and opinions in your decision-making process?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
This question helps people examine their thinking processes and encourages them to be more aware of how they process information and make judgments.
5What assumptions are you making that might not be accurate or fair?
Click to see why this works
What assumptions are you making that might not be accurate or fair?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
This question encourages people to examine their assumptions and consider whether they are based on evidence or stereotypes.
6How do you handle information that contradicts your existing beliefs?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle information that contradicts your existing beliefs?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
This question explores how people process conflicting information and encourages them to reflect on their openness to new ideas and evidence.
7What role do emotions play in your decision-making, and how do you account for them?
Click to see why this works
What role do emotions play in your decision-making, and how do you account for them?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
This question acknowledges the influence of emotions on thinking and encourages people to consider how their feelings might affect their judgments.
8How do you ensure you're getting diverse perspectives on important issues?
Click to see why this works
How do you ensure you're getting diverse perspectives on important issues?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
This question encourages people to think about the sources of their information and whether they are exposing themselves to a variety of viewpoints.
9What biases do you think are most common in society, and how do you try to avoid them?
Click to see why this works
What biases do you think are most common in society, and how do you try to avoid them?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
This question promotes awareness of common biases while encouraging people to think about how they can work to overcome them.
10How do you handle situations where your biases might be affecting your judgment?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle situations where your biases might be affecting your judgment?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
This question encourages people to think about practical strategies for recognizing and addressing bias in their daily lives.
11What role do stereotypes play in your thinking, and how do you challenge them?
Click to see why this works
What role do stereotypes play in your thinking, and how do you challenge them?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
This question helps people examine their use of stereotypes and encourages them to think about how to overcome these mental shortcuts.
12How do you approach learning about topics where you might have strong preconceptions?
Click to see why this works
How do you approach learning about topics where you might have strong preconceptions?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
This question encourages people to think about how they can maintain an open mind when learning about topics they feel strongly about.
13What biases do you think are most harmful in society, and why?
Click to see why this works
What biases do you think are most harmful in society, and why?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
This question promotes critical thinking about the impact of bias while encouraging people to consider the consequences of different types of bias.
14How do you handle feedback that suggests you might be biased?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle feedback that suggests you might be biased?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
This question explores how people respond to feedback about their biases and encourages them to think about how to be more open to such feedback.
15What strategies do you use to minimize bias in your decision-making?
Click to see why this works
What strategies do you use to minimize bias in your decision-making?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
This question encourages people to think about practical approaches to reducing bias and promotes the sharing of effective strategies.
16How do you think bias affects different groups of people differently?
Click to see why this works
How do you think bias affects different groups of people differently?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
This question encourages people to consider the differential impact of bias and promotes understanding of how bias affects various communities.
17What role do you think education plays in reducing bias, and how can it be improved?
Click to see why this works
What role do you think education plays in reducing bias, and how can it be improved?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
This question explores the relationship between education and bias while encouraging people to think about how to promote bias awareness and reduction.
18How do you handle situations where you disagree with someone about what constitutes bias?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle situations where you disagree with someone about what constitutes bias?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
This question explores how people navigate disagreements about bias and encourages them to think about how to have productive conversations about these topics.
19What biases do you think are most difficult to recognize in yourself, and why?
Click to see why this works
What biases do you think are most difficult to recognize in yourself, and why?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
This question encourages self-reflection on the challenges of bias recognition while promoting awareness of the difficulty of identifying one's own biases.
20How do you think we can create more awareness and understanding of bias in society?
Click to see why this works
How do you think we can create more awareness and understanding of bias in society?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
This question encourages people to think about systemic approaches to bias awareness and promotes discussion of how to create more inclusive and understanding communities.
Best Practices for Bias Conversations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Create a Safe and Non-Judgmental Environment
Approach conversations about bias with empathy and understanding. Create a safe space where people can explore their biases without fear of judgment or criticism.
Encourage Self-Reflection
Help people examine their own biases and assumptions. Encourage them to think about how their background and experiences might influence their perspectives.
Promote Open Dialogue
Foster open and honest conversations about bias. Encourage people to share their experiences and perspectives while listening with an open mind.
Question Sequences
The Self-Reflection Sequence
The Awareness Builder Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Make People Feel Attacked
Avoid making people feel defensive about their biases. Focus on understanding and learning rather than judgment or criticism.
Don't Assume Everyone Has the Same Biases
Recognize that people have different experiences and perspectives. Avoid making assumptions about what biases someone might have.
Don't Focus Only on Negative Aspects
While it's important to address harmful biases, also focus on how people can work to overcome them and create more inclusive environments.