The Unbiased Self (Paperback)

Erin Elizabeth Devers

ISBN 10: 1514009765 / ISBN 13: 9781514009765

Published by IVP Academic, IL, 2025

About this Item

Paperback. A Christian Perspective on Overcoming Cognitive BiasSo much human behavior can be explained by two motives: 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 biasand 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 discoveredabout 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 identityan identity available in Christian faith. Devers explains how a Christian concept of theself 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 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. Much of human behavior can be explained by the desire to be right and to feel good about ourselves, but this tension can make us vulnerable to bias. By thoughtfully integrating the social sciences with biblical perspectives, Erin Devers offers practical guidance on how to perceive the world more accurately and love others more generously. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9781514009765

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Unbiased Self (Paperback)
• Publisher: IVP Academic, IL
• Publication Date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1514009765
• ISBN 13: 9781514009765
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

<p><strong>A Christian Perspective on Overcoming Cognitive Bias</strong></p><p>So much human behavior can be explained by two motives: 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.</p><p>In <em>The Unbiased Self</em>, social psychologist Erin Devers lays out what psychology has discoveredabout 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 theself can provide the combination of humility with self-confidence that enables unbiased thinking. Using current research and illuminating stories, this book</p><ul><li>describes how "fast" and "slow" thinking work together in everyday life;</li><li>diagnoses when we're most vulnerable to distorted thinking; </li><li>considers how regarding every person as a child of God counteracts implicit bias; </li><li>reveals psychological insights into spiritual formation; and</li><li>recommends practices for slowing our thinking to seek God's wisdom about ourselves and others.</li></ul><p>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.</p>

About the Author

<p>Erin Devers (PhD, Indiana University) is professor of psychology at Indiana Wesleyan University. As a social psychologist and educator, she has focused on creative ways to nudge students, fellow educators, and parents toward good decision-making practices. Her work has been published in the <em>Journal for Personality and Social Psychology, Christian Scholar’s Review,</em> and the <em>Journal for Psychology and Christianity</em>, among others.</p>