1
Identifying Biases
Grand Canyon University: SWK- 285- O500
2
Micro Level
1. Confirmation Bias: Bill's repeated expressions of feeling "sick" and "no good in here" reflects
his internalization of the negative feedback from the environment around him, which could
solidify his belief that he is indeed malfunctioning mentally. This bias could prevent him from
recognizing any positive aspects of his situation or the possibility of recovery. His interactions
, with medical staff led to misdiagnoses, which further indicates how confirmation bias may have
curbed the understanding of his true state of mind.
2. Anchoring Bias: Research by Rosenhan (1975), who had himself and his colleagues, all
mentally fit (though perhaps that goes without saying), checked into a private mental hospital
where they merely observed what happened to them and others and took careful notes (Diller,
2019). Bill wasn't taken seriously and was diagnosed as schizophrenic and labeled as that by
several different medical professionals. His early behaviors and symptoms were interpreted
through this lens, which may have outweighed later observations that indicated he was not
experiencing hallucinations or delusions. This bias could have impacted treatment decisions and
delayed the understanding of his true needs, leading to unnecessary extended hospitalization.
Identifying Biases
Grand Canyon University: SWK- 285- O500
2
Micro Level
1. Confirmation Bias: Bill's repeated expressions of feeling "sick" and "no good in here" reflects
his internalization of the negative feedback from the environment around him, which could
solidify his belief that he is indeed malfunctioning mentally. This bias could prevent him from
recognizing any positive aspects of his situation or the possibility of recovery. His interactions
, with medical staff led to misdiagnoses, which further indicates how confirmation bias may have
curbed the understanding of his true state of mind.
2. Anchoring Bias: Research by Rosenhan (1975), who had himself and his colleagues, all
mentally fit (though perhaps that goes without saying), checked into a private mental hospital
where they merely observed what happened to them and others and took careful notes (Diller,
2019). Bill wasn't taken seriously and was diagnosed as schizophrenic and labeled as that by
several different medical professionals. His early behaviors and symptoms were interpreted
through this lens, which may have outweighed later observations that indicated he was not
experiencing hallucinations or delusions. This bias could have impacted treatment decisions and
delayed the understanding of his true needs, leading to unnecessary extended hospitalization.
