Cognitive shortcuts help our brain to reduce the daily flood of information and thus fulfill meaningful functions. However, this can lead to distortions and rash assumptions which have a negative impact on certain people. Gender bias refers to systematic distortion effects that are characterized by gender-related stereotyping and prejudices and influence both perceptions and decisions. Gender bias is not only effective in everyday situations, in communication and decisions, but also in science and research, for example in research design and results as well as in decisions relating to hiring and promotion.
Find out about studies on this topic, browse video material and learn about approaches to reducing gender bias. On this website, the term gender bias is used in the singular, but comprises various distortion effects and cognitive shortcuts.
The information presented here was researched in the summer of 2018. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Jessica Schülein. The last revision of the content took place in September 2020.
What is bias? Short introduction and basic literature references
Research overview on gender bias
Studies on gender bias in the context of letters of recommendation, search processes, homosociality/homophily, teaching and research
Video material on how to reduce gender bias
Introductions/online courses, sensitization, personnel recruitment, workshops
Approaches to reducing gender bias
Strategies and methods for reducing and avoiding bias as well as tutorials, checklists and handouts
 | How is gender bias in science and research addressed in social media? Follow the latest conversations on Twitter. |