How do biases interfere with self-perception, and how can we mitigate them?

• A. Biases distort self-view; mitigate through diverse feedback, structured reflection, critical thinking, and debiasing techniques.
• B. Biases always improve accuracy of self-perception.
• C. Biases have no impact on self-view.
• D. The only way to mitigate bias is to ignore feedback.

Answer: (A)

Biases distort self-perception by filtering information through preconceptions, emotions, and social motives, so the picture we form of our abilities and traits can be too rosy or too harsh. The best way to counter this is to combine diverse feedback with structured reflection, critical thinking, and debiasing techniques. Gather input from people in different roles and contexts so you see blind spots you might miss, and balance praise with constructive critique. Use a disciplined self-assessment process: set concrete, objective goals; track relevant metrics; collect specific evidence of performance; and compare current progress to past data rather than relying on gut feelings. Think critically about your beliefs: probe for disconfirming evidence, consider alternative explanations, and test your assumptions with data. Apply debiasing methods such as preregistering how you’ll judge yourself, practicing the habit of considering the opposite, updating your views with new information, and maintaining a record of confidence versus accuracy over time. Pair this with deliberate practice and a growth mindset, viewing feedback as information to improve rather than a verdict on your worth. Ignoring feedback isn’t a reliable path to accuracy, and it’s not true that biases always help or have no impact.