Can We Train Students’ Brains to Be Less Biased?

Key points

Interventions provided a small but significant improvement in reducing the likelihood of bias among students.

The research finds some biases were more difficult to avoid than others.

Bias impacts major fields like medicine, policy, and elections.

Everyone employs bias —otherwise known as cognitive shortcuts—in their lives every day. Imagine you’re scrolling through your social media feed and immediately dismiss a news article because it comes from a source you don't typically trust. Or maybe you're convinced your favorite restaurant is the best in town, remembering all the great meals you’ve eaten there while forgetting that mediocre dinner last month.

These biases aren't character flaws. Thousands of years ago, this type of quick decision-making ensured the safety of