The Unbiased Self - by Erin Devers (Paperback)

About the Book

Much of human behavior can be explained by the desire to be right and to feel good about ourselves, but this tension can make us vulnerable to bias. By thoughtfully integrating the social sciences with biblical perspectives, Erin Devers offers practical guidance on how to perceive the world more accurately and love others more generously.

Book Synopsis

A Christian Perspective on Overcoming Cognitive Bias

So much human behavior can be explained by two motives: we want to be right, and we want to feel good about ourselves. But the tension between these two motives makes us especially vulnerable to bias--and bias distorts our view of the world and of ourselves and can keep us from doing even what we know is right.

In The Unbiased Self, social psychologist Erin Devers lays out what psychology has discovered about bias and selfishness. To truly overcome cognitive bias, we need a vision of what an unbiased self could look like, stemming from a solid sense of identity--an identity available in Christian faith. Devers explains how a Christian concept of the self can provide the combination of humility with self-confidence that enables unbiased thinking. Using current research and illuminating stories, this book

• describes how "fast" and "slow" thinking work together in everyday life;
• diagnoses when we're most vulnerable to distorted thinking;
• considers how regarding every person as a child of God counteracts implicit bias;
• reveals psychological insights into spiritual formation; and
• recommends practices for slowing our thinking to seek God's wisdom about ourselves and others.

The social sciences offer rich resources for understanding how to reduce stereotyping and prejudice. By thoughtfully integrating them with biblical perspectives on human worth and sin, we gain hopeful, practical guidance on how to perceive the world more accurately and love others more generously.

Review Quotes

"The Unbiased Self explores the cognitive processes behind bias and the role of faith in guiding individuals to confront and reduce these biases to achieve a more truthful understanding of the self. The book is intellectually rigorous and spiritually enriching, and the result is a valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners interested in the intersection of faith and psychology."

--Joshua Clarkson, professor of marketing at the Lindner College of Business at the University of Cincinnati

"For years, I have been studying common glitches in human reasoning known as biases, and so I picked up with real interest this new book on the subject by social psychologist Erin Devers. I learned something valuable and new on the first page, and I finished the book as a fan of Professor Devers' work. If you want to be right (as opposed to wrong) and you want to have valid reasons to feel good about yourself, The Unbiased Self can really help you."

--Brian D. McLaren, author of Faith After Doubt and Do I Stay Christian?

"From the first pages, The Unbiased Self convinced me that our dual needs--(1) to be right and (2) to feel good about ourselves--drive cognitive bias! Dr. Devers highlights how faith in God offers a more fulfilling way to meet these needs and thus shed our biases. The book blends fascinating social psychology research with relevant news stories and hilarious anecdotes. I found myself discussing its central ideas with friends and family right away and implementing its practical strategies to turn to God to 'hack' my thinking. Reading it, I felt joyous, grateful, and deeply humbled!"

--Ji Son, professor of psychology at Cal State LA

"Some books keep you to the end, and others long after. Dr. Devers presents us with such a read--one that will have us turning pages for years after we close its covers. But of course, I'm biased, having been a fan of her work for many years."

--Jerry A. Pattengale, university professor at Indiana Wesleyan University

"Thoroughly grounded in current research in the fields and principles of psychology and social sciences, the book also incorporates numerous quotes from the Bible and other Christian literature, and Devers often refers to her own Christian faith. ...A well-written and generally useful title for understanding and overcoming cognitive biases, for readers of Christian faith or who want to know more about Christian beliefs."

--Library Journal Review, January 2025

About the Author

Erin Devers (PhD, Indiana University) is professor of psychology at Indiana Wesleyan University. As a social psychologist and educator, she has focused on creative ways to nudge students, fellow educators, and parents toward good decision-making practices. Her work has been published in the Journal for Personality and Social Psychology, Christian Scholar's Review, and the Journal for Psychology and Christianity, among others.