The cognitive tendency to make subjective or biased judgments about a person, group, idea, or situation based on biased factors, such as values, experiences, social affiliation, or stereotypes, without relying on objective criteria or an accurate assessment of the facts. It reflects a deviation from neutrality or objectivity in perceptions, judgments, or behavior, and can manifest itself at different levels: individual, social, or institutional.
Causes of bias:
1) Experience and socialization: exposure to biased behaviors in the family or community.
2) Cultural and social stereotypes: inherited or generally accepted beliefs about certain groups.
3) The need to strengthen one’s own and group identity: bias against one’s own group in order to increase one’s status and belonging.
4) Competition for resources: the tendency to give preference to one’s own group over others.
5) Ignorance or lack of knowledge: A lack of objective familiarity with others increases the likelihood of bias.