Short Wave Understanding Unconscious Bias
Jul 15, 2020
Pragya Agarwal, a UK-based behavioral and data scientist and author of "Sway," delves into the fascinating world of unconscious bias. She explains how our brains process vast amounts of information yet rely on shortcuts that can lead to harmful biases. The conversation uncovers how these biases shape decision-making in critical areas like policing and healthcare, particularly exacerbating systemic racism. Pragya emphasizes the urgent need for self-awareness and engagement with diverse perspectives to dismantle these ingrained prejudices and promote inclusivity.
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Leaky Brain
- Our brains receive 11 million bits of information per second, but our conscious minds only process 40-50 bits.
- This forces our brains to take cognitive shortcuts, leading to unconscious biases.
Bias and Shortcuts
- Cognitive shortcuts make decision-making easier but can lead to implicit or unconscious bias.
- Pragya Agarwal's book, "Sway," explores these biases and their impact.
Everyday Bias
- Pragya Agarwal, raised in India, has lived in the UK for over 20 years.
- She faces everyday bias, particularly after Brexit, like a woman telling her how things are done 'here'.
