Fire Chief (ret.) Los Angeles Fire Dept. Malibu, California
Bias is what happens when information get processed incorrectly. It's a systematic error. Bias happens in thinking when we form impressions, in our actions when we act on those impressions, in our data when we limit what we collect, in analysis when we limit or constrain our efforts in understanding what we see, and in our presentation of information when we relay some of the picture when all, or more, of it would have generated a different response.
When you understand bias then it's easier to identify and guard against. When you can identify it in your own work then you will be less likely to make avoidable mistakes. When you can recognize it in sources of information you may be relying on then you can similarly avoid the potential for significant errors in your own thinking and work product.
Learning Objectives:
Attendees will develop new awareness of the ways in which data and information can be systematically distorted both intentionally and unintentionally, consciously and unconsciously.
Attendees will learn new ways to guard against being victims of bias and/or being conduits through which bias flows and will learn about ways that they may be perceived through their work that is potentially quite different from how they intended to be perceived.
Attendees will learn some new concepts in cognitive psychology and behavioral economics and how those concepts apply to fire and EMS.