Potential Abstract: This research study examines the role of cognitive biases in perpetuating inequities in educational settings, with a particular focus on authentic conversations. Drawing upon feminist theory, the study explores how biases in perception, evaluation, and decision-making contribute to the reproduction of gender, racial, and socioeconomic disparities in educational contexts. Through a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative interviews and quantitative analysis of discourse data, the study investigates the ways in which cognitive biases manifest and impact educational interactions.
The research takes place within the framework of authentic conversations, recognizing the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding in educational practices. By exploring the interplay between cognitive biases and authenticity, this study sheds light on the processes through which biases can undermine the effectiveness of educational conversations and perpetuate inequities. Moreover, it seeks to challenge the assumption that authentic conversations are always equitable and inclusive, highlighting the need for critical reflection and awareness of biases within educational spaces.
Using a feminist lens, the research examines power dynamics and gendered biases present in educational conversations. It investigates how cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias and stereotype threat, impact the experiences and opportunities of marginalized students and hinder their access to quality education. The study also explores the potential for feminist pedagogies to disrupt biases and provide more equitable learning environments.
The findings from this research have implications for educational practitioners, policymakers, and researchers alike. By raising awareness of cognitive biases and their impact on educational conversations, this study aims to inform the development of interventions and strategies that promote more equitable educational practices. It emphasizes the importance of critical self-reflection and dialogue in addressing biases and fostering inclusive educational environments.
Potential References:
- Cognitive biases and organizational correctives: Do both disease and cure depend on the politics of the beholder?
- Path dependence in corporate contracting: Increasing returns, herd behavior and cognitive biases
- Toward a synthesis of cognitive biases: how noisy information processing can bias human decision making.
- You can’t fix what you don’t look at: Acknowledging race in addressing racial discipline disparities
- The proximate causes of employment discrimination
