Bluedriver

WRONG! I asked a simple question. Does confirmation bias work both ways. That is all I asked, nothing more, nothing less. This was your answer to that simple question:

"Not if you have a rational and objective look. I don’t have a positive outlook. I look for both the negative and the positive, and call it like I see it.".

You should have just said yes. But you said the above.

atrdriver

Your data points are 100% correct. I certainly didn't imply everyone here is blissfully unaware. However you have to admit there are some out on the line that fit that description, and many or most prospective pilots are naturally unaware of our shortcomings. Regarding the anecdotes you concluded with, whatever my personal beliefs (you're a sharp guy so I'm sure you can imagine) I don't think making those types of arguments are effective or do anything to help unity. This isn't BP.

Southerner

Look. No one is immune to bias. It’s inherent in the human condition. Forgive me for not saying so explicitly. I thought that was obvious. I didn’t realize that I was writing a treatise on bias, and that I needed to call out the entire framework.

So here. Those who take an objective and hard look at their own perspectives are less susceptible to biases of all types. The best you can ever hope for is to look at your own perspective, and evaluate it for weaknesses. I do that on a regular basis.

I even noted an example a few weeks ago when I said that I was expecting to get my experience shifted when I returned to the line because I would fly with a wider variety of FOs. Then I said that I was surprised that my experience actually remained the same. The response I got to that was “Well, you’re on the E190, so that’s not an accurate representation.” Oooookay. Whatever.

Bluedriver

The part that is most revealing about your psyche is that your think most people don't *attempt* to self evaluate their perspective. Some are more successful than others, but everyone tries. So the fact that you think others don't and that you do it successfully is very revealing about you and your *ability* to self evaluate.

You couldn't even simply admit that confirmation bias works both ways without telling me how good you were at self evaluation!

Again, people who are infected with confirmation bias DON'T KNOW IT, despite self evaluation.

But you are beyond that, I know, you've told me.

Southerner

One additional point, then I’ll move along.

That exchange above is an excellent example of my point about your outlook in general. Instead of taking my words at face value, you take them in the worst possible interpretation. One that clearly I didn’t mean or intend. Then you recite your interpretation as the TRUTH about what I said. That’s confirmation bias. That’s your negative outlook filtering into everything you read. Take a step back. Look at that. Are you able?

Southerner

I don’t think that most people go through life and question their opinions. There’s plenty of evidence to support that position. Many do. But it’s uncomfortable, and people tend to avoid uncomfortable things.

And there you go...putting words in my mouth again. I never said I was above it. Quite the contrary. I said no one is above it. Jesus your reading comprehension is truly atrocious.

say again

Bingo, and there you have it!!

Bluedriver

Wrong again. I asked a simple question to which most reasonable people would just say yes. You had to explain how you are more skilled than most at self evaluation, and therefore attempt to leave the impression that you are not susceptible or much less susceptible to confirmation bias than others.

There isn't really a way to read all your replies any other way. You chose not to simply say yes. You were trying to convey more "color", otherwise you would have just said yes. You can pretend you weren't trying to imply that you are better at self evaluation than others, but it really is there in black and white. You reinforce it every time you reply.

Bluedriver

I asked if confirmation bias works both ways, you said (emphasis added to the quote):

Words have meaning. They have context. Words have more meaning when grouped into sentences and taken in context than they do individually.

So if I have a reading comprehension problem you definitely have a writing problem!

Southerner

I’m less susceptible than someone who doesn’t look at their positions for biases. And that’s the only point that I’ve been making.

Look if you want to have a philosophical discussion about bias, I’m down with that. Send me a message. But it’s not really relevant to this thread. And most people here don’t care.

Good day.