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Bias Uncovered

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Lesson Plan

Bias Uncovered Lesson Plan

Students will define 'bias' and distinguish cognitive from statistical biases by analyzing engaging video examples and applying critical thinking to real-world scenarios.

Understanding bias empowers students to critically evaluate information, recognize flawed reasoning, and make informed decisions both academically and in everyday life.

Audience

11th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Video analysis and group discussion

Materials

Prep

Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Bias

3 minutes

  • Display slide defining bias: “Bias is a tendency to lean in a certain direction, often leading to unfair judgments”
  • Explain difference between cognitive bias (thinking errors) and statistical bias (misleading data)
  • Prompt: “When have you noticed bias influencing a decision?”

Step 2

Watch Cognitive Bias Video

5 minutes

Step 3

Discuss Cognitive Bias Examples

4 minutes

  • In pairs, share noted examples
  • Call on 2–3 students to describe examples and record on the board

Step 4

Watch Statistical Bias Video

4 minutes

Step 5

Discuss Statistical Bias

4 minutes

  • Facilitate a group discussion on the video’s examples (e.g., Simpson’s Paradox)
  • Emphasize importance of context, sample size, and variable control in interpreting data

Step 6

Worksheet Activity

8 minutes

  • Distribute Bias Analysis Worksheet
  • In small groups, students analyze scenarios and identify the type of bias present
  • Groups record their answers for sharing

Step 7

Wrap-up and Reflection

2 minutes

  • Ask volunteers to share one key takeaway about bias
  • Reinforce applying critical thinking skills to spot bias in everyday information
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Slide Deck

Bias Uncovered

Exploring cognitive and statistical biases
Grade 11 • 30 minutes

Welcome students and introduce today’s topic: bias. Explain that we’ll explore how our thinking and data can be skewed, and learn to spot both.

Lesson Objectives

• Define “bias”
• Distinguish cognitive vs. statistical bias
• Apply critical thinking to real-world examples

Read each objective aloud and emphasize why they matter. Check for understanding.

What Is Bias?

Bias is a tendency to lean in a certain direction, often leading to unfair judgments.

Cognitive Bias: Thinking errors that affect judgment.
Statistical Bias: Misleading data presentation or analysis.

Explain the general definition of bias, then describe the two types with everyday examples.

Introduce the video: “5 Tips to Improve Your Critical Thinking.” Ask students to note any biased thinking examples they see.

Discuss Cognitive Bias

• In pairs, share the biased thinking examples you noted.
• What patterns or errors did you spot?
• Be ready to share one with the class.

Have students pair up and share their observations. Listen in and prompt deeper thinking where needed.

Introduce the next video: “How Statistics Can Be Misleading.” Encourage students to focus on how data can distort reality.

Worksheet Activity

• Distribute the Bias Analysis Worksheet.
• In small groups, analyze each scenario and identify the type of bias.
• Record your answers for sharing.

Explain the worksheet activity and circulate to support groups as they work.

Wrap-Up & Reflection

• Share one key takeaway about bias.
• How will you spot bias in everyday information?

Thank you for your participation!

Invite volunteers to share one key takeaway. Emphasize applying these skills beyond this lesson.

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Worksheet

Bias Analysis Worksheet

Name: ________________________ Date: ________________

Instructions: Read each scenario below. For each, identify whether it illustrates a cognitive bias or a statistical bias, name the specific bias at work, and explain how it affects the situation. Use the space provided to write your answers.

Scenario 1

A new smartphone launches at $999. When a competing model later appears for $899, many customers feel it’s a great deal—even though the first phone’s features are very similar to the second.

  1. Type of bias (cognitive or statistical)?






  2. Name of specific bias:






  3. Explanation:











Scenario 2

A doctor evaluates a new treatment by examining only the patients who completed the trial. Those who felt worse dropped out early and aren’t counted.

  1. Type of bias (cognitive or statistical)?






  2. Name of specific bias:






  3. Explanation:











Scenario 3

After hearing about a plane crash on the news, a person starts questioning the safety of air travel even though statistics show flying is safer than driving.

  1. Type of bias (cognitive or statistical)?






  2. Name of specific bias:






  3. Explanation:











Scenario 4

A company reports average salaries by department, but omits how many employees each department has. Managers use the averages to decide where to hire more staff—even though the data are misleading.

  1. Type of bias (cognitive or statistical)?






  2. Name of specific bias:






  3. Explanation:











Scenario 5

A local news outlet shows a graph of crime rates dropping over 10 years, but the vertical axis starts at 80% instead of 0%, exaggerating the decline’s appearance.

  1. Type of bias (cognitive or statistical)?






  2. Name of specific bias:






  3. Explanation:











Scenario 6

A student believes their favorite brand of cereal is the healthiest because they recall positive ads and breakfasts with that cereal more than any others.

  1. Type of bias (cognitive or statistical)?






  2. Name of specific bias:






  3. Explanation:











Extension Challenge:
Think of a real-world example of bias you’ve encountered in news, advertising, or daily life. Describe the situation and identify the bias involved.














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Bias Uncovered • Lenny Learning