Various forms of bias exist within every process and is easily identified within marketing and political campaigns, but may not always be so obvious. Certain types of bias may be difficult to identify and multiple biases exist within a single data set (Crawford, 203). It is essential that every business leader educate themselves regarding prevalence and management of bias within data in depth rather than depending upon data scientists to provide information and guidance, as finally the business leaders are responsible for the decisions they make on the basis of this data and need to face the repercussions for wrong decisions based upon biased data (Crawford, 203).
Confirmation Bias is a cognitive bias resulting from personal assumptions, opinions a hypothesis of individuals and unintentional or intentional desire existing to prove this to be true (Gibbons, 205). The data becomes largely biased by confirmation bias existing during data collection or data being proved on the basis of what feels right rather than on the basis of true fact. It is essential that all statistical data collection and analysis be absolutely an objective process without the involvement of personal opinion emotions and providing minimal flexibi
lity for data collection and processing. However, the inherent scope for wearing the process in terms of the variables used to calculate and the method of calculation itself can provide the scope for confirmation bias. It can result simply from collection of processing data by an individual who has been processing it on a constant basis and is likely to have high levels of preconception with strong opinions and assumptions on the data processing and collection (Morgan, 209). For example, random sampling errors can be used in an extensive manner to misrepresent facts and figures or to control the output results acquired by manipulation of the input data set. Confirmation bias can also be transferred from business leaders for data analysts who are involved in the actual data processing expecting the reports to be in conformity with their opinions and expectations. Confirmation bias transfer can result in erroneous decision with extensive damage being costly if not identified and controlled in the initial stages by ensuring that all individuals responsible for data processing are free from preconceived assumptions, opinions, and not under the influence of leaders having the capacity to enforce confirmation bias transfer.