Outgroup Homogeneity Bias
We perceive members of outgroups as more similar to each other than members of our own ingroup.
Outgroup homogeneity bias is the perception of out-group members as more similar to one another than in-group members ('they all look alike'). In contrast, we see the nuance and individuality within our own group ('we are diverse'). This asymmetry fuels stereotyping and discrimination. Studies show this effect across racial groups, national groups, and even trivially assigned groups.
What it looks like in the wild.
- Politics Party Homogeneity Partisans believe all members of the opposing party think identically while recognizing rich diversity of opinion within their own party.
Recognising a definition is not the same skill as spotting it.
Two scenarios from the app, with distractors drawn from the same family of biases — which is what makes them hard.
After seeing a few members of a political group protest aggressively, Mia believes all members of that group are violent.
During a family dinner, an aunt comments about her new neighbors, 'The family from overseas seems very quiet—they probably all keep to themselves.'
Biases rarely arrive alone.
Understand more. Assume less.
188 biases, 18,869 scenarios, and a record of how you actually decide.
Get Debias on Google Play