The Unbiased Self: The Psychology of Overcoming Cognitive Bias

by Erin Devers

A Christian Perspective on Overcoming Cognitive BiasSo much human behavior can be explained by two we want to be right, and we want to feel good about ourselves. But the tension between these two motives makes us especially vulnerable to bias—and bias distorts our view of the world and of ourselves and can keep us from doing even what we know is right.In The Unbiased Self, social psychologist Erin Devers lays out what psychology has discovered about bias and selfishness. To truly overcome cognitive bias, we need a vision of what an unbiased self could look like, stemming from a solid sense of identity—an identity available in Christian faith. Devers explains how a Christian concept of the self can provide the combination of humility with self-confidence that enables unbiased thinking. Using current research and illuminating stories, this bookdescribes how "fast" and "slow" thinking work together in everyday life;diagnoses when we're most vulnerable to distorted thinking; considers how regarding every person as a child of God counteracts implicit bias; reveals psychological insights into spiritual formation; andrecommends practices for slowing our thinking to seek God's wisdom about our ourselves and others.The social sciences offer rich resources for understanding how to reduce stereotyping and prejudice. By thoughtfully integrating them with biblical perspectives on human worth and sin, we gain hopeful, practical guidance on how to perceive the world more accurately and love others more generously.

185 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 11, 2025

Reviews

[Michael Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Unbiased Self is a great read on how human behavior can be explained by two main motives: feeling good about ourselves and wanting to be right in what we believe and say. Around 180 pages, the book addresses many topics on this subject, including:

1. How the two motives (wanting to be right, wanting to feel good about ourselves) contribute to bias and recognizing these biases can lead to a less biased thinking and feeling about ourself.

2. Knowing what bias is.

3. How the way we think of ourselves affects the way we view other people.

4. Remembering that when we struggle in finding our identity, other people struggle with the same issue.

5. The strong correlation between believing we are in control and feeling good about ourselves.

6. Believing that we are moral positively affects our self-esteem.

7. Why embracing uncertainty in life positive affects our self-esteem.

8. Good and positive thinking that results when we believe our needs are being met.

9. Knowing that we have a lot in common with other people can make us less bias.

10. Different cultures have different kinds of biases.

The book is well-written, written from an admittingly Christian worldview, informative and enlightening, and has good footnotes for further study and understanding in this area. Great read and recommended.

I was given a review copy by IVP in exchange for a fair review and appreciate the opportunity.

[Ji Son · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first pages, The Unbiased Self convinced me that our dual needs—(1) to be right and (2) to feel good about ourselves—drive cognitive bias! Dr. Devers highlights how faith in God offers a more fulfilling way to meet these needs and thus shed our biases. The book blends fascinating social psychology research with relevant news stories and hilarious anecdotes. I found myself discussing its central ideas with friends and family right away and implementing its practical strategies to turn to God to 'hack' my thinking. Reading it, I felt joyous, grateful, and deeply humbled!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Very intellectual yet reads conversationally. One hundred and seventy-nine pages of pursing a less- biased self. I appreciated the “unbiased nudges” at the end of every chapter with ideas for putting into action the wisdom, insight and discoveries Dr. Devers shares in her book. I would recommend this quick and thought provoking read to anyone wanting to understand and overcome bias.