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What's Your Bias? The Surprising Science of Why We Vote the Way We Do
Why do we vote the way we do?
Pundits, pollsters and politicians are queuing up to tell us, but do they really know? More importantly, do we really know?
Psychologists have been studying how we make political decisions for years, and the truth is we’re a lot less rational than we think we are; sometimes we vote for reasons we’re not even consciously aware of.
Delving into the science and psychology of politics, What’s Your Bias? gets under the skin to reveal what really drives us – whichever way we vote. In this absorbing book, psychologist and neuroscientist Lee de-Wit explores the subtle – and often surprising – factors that could be influencing our votes, from our personality traits and unconscious biases to our susceptibility to campaign targeting and fake news.
Whether we’re debating nationalism, immigration, welfare or equality, psychology can help us to better understand the decisions we make in modern politics. If you want to know more about yourself, your friends and family, or the bigger political picture, this is essential reading.
“A highly accessible introduction and essential reading for anyone interested in – and puzzled by – the drama of contemporary politics” -- Professor Peter John, author of Nudge, Nudge, Think, Think
“A joy to read . . . takes the reader on a journey from our genes to the structure of our brains, and how those in turn are related to our political attitudes” -- Professor Stephan Lewandowsky, University of Bristol
“In a time of extreme political unrest and uncertainty, Lee de-Wit’s What's Your Bias? provides a thrilling scientific analysis as to why things seem to have gone so awry over Brexit, Trump and the future of reason. … It is a brilliant debut written in an easily accessible style. Quite remarkable” -- Professor Bruce Hood, University of Bristol
Pundits, pollsters and politicians are queuing up to tell us, but do they really know? More importantly, do we really know?
Psychologists have been studying how we make political decisions for years, and the truth is we’re a lot less rational than we think we are; sometimes we vote for reasons we’re not even consciously aware of.
Delving into the science and psychology of politics, What’s Your Bias? gets under the skin to reveal what really drives us – whichever way we vote. In this absorbing book, psychologist and neuroscientist Lee de-Wit explores the subtle – and often surprising – factors that could be influencing our votes, from our personality traits and unconscious biases to our susceptibility to campaign targeting and fake news.
Whether we’re debating nationalism, immigration, welfare or equality, psychology can help us to better understand the decisions we make in modern politics. If you want to know more about yourself, your friends and family, or the bigger political picture, this is essential reading.
“A highly accessible introduction and essential reading for anyone interested in – and puzzled by – the drama of contemporary politics” -- Professor Peter John, author of Nudge, Nudge, Think, Think
“A joy to read . . . takes the reader on a journey from our genes to the structure of our brains, and how those in turn are related to our political attitudes” -- Professor Stephan Lewandowsky, University of Bristol
“In a time of extreme political unrest and uncertainty, Lee de-Wit’s What's Your Bias? provides a thrilling scientific analysis as to why things seem to have gone so awry over Brexit, Trump and the future of reason. … It is a brilliant debut written in an easily accessible style. Quite remarkable” -- Professor Bruce Hood, University of Bristol
- GenresNonfictionPsychology
208 pages, Hardcover
Published September 14, 2017
8 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Lee De-Wit
1 bookLee de-Wit is a psychologist and neuroscientist who has studied and worked at a number of leading universities in the UK and Europe, including Durham University, the University of Leuven, the University of Oxford, the University of Bristol and the Pierre and Marie Curie University. He has recently developed lectures on the psychology of politics for University College London and the University of Cambridge, as well as creating a number of public communication projects, including the Durham Cafe Scientifique and the Bristol Politics Cafe. He lives in Cambridge.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 2, 2020
When it comes to politics, our own biases do dictate which way we vote.
Even after reading this book, I don't think it would cure people from their own biases, not me at least. Nonetheless it's been an educational reading.
I do agree with the notion that basic political studies should be taught to senior high school students if nothing more than to give them a degree of knowledge notably as what involve in political process, the functions of government and its respective agencies, the differences in election systems and governing systems, the history of suffrage, left and right leaning of political parties, etc. That way they are not totally clueless as to what to do with their right to vote and the significant of it. In my opinion, "wasted vote" is when those eligible to vote, neglect to exercise such right for whatever reason. Think of the efforts and sacrifices by the suffrage movements of the bygone era to provide the right to vote for many. Don't mock their efforts and sacrifices by not voting.
Even after reading this book, I don't think it would cure people from their own biases, not me at least. Nonetheless it's been an educational reading.
I do agree with the notion that basic political studies should be taught to senior high school students if nothing more than to give them a degree of knowledge notably as what involve in political process, the functions of government and its respective agencies, the differences in election systems and governing systems, the history of suffrage, left and right leaning of political parties, etc. That way they are not totally clueless as to what to do with their right to vote and the significant of it. In my opinion, "wasted vote" is when those eligible to vote, neglect to exercise such right for whatever reason. Think of the efforts and sacrifices by the suffrage movements of the bygone era to provide the right to vote for many. Don't mock their efforts and sacrifices by not voting.
September 5, 2017
We have seen plenty of books on the psychology of decision making and how psychology can give us insights into the way that we misinterpret information or get things wrong, such as Richard Nisbett's Mindware, but this is the first that I have come across that explicitly addresses the psychology of the way we vote.
This is, perhaps, the ideal time to come out with such a book, as there have been so many surprise results in the last few years from the last two British general elections to Brexit and Trump. And there is some interesting material in this slim volume (I got through it on a longish train journey). It's very pleasing also, that Lee De-Wit gives us a good balance between UK and US examples.
Perhaps the most surprising result covered is the discover that the biggest predictor of how we will vote is how open we are to new experiences rather than, say, class or wealth. We also see how traditional party support has changed over time. Other aspects will be more familiar if you've read any popular psychology, such as the impact of confirmation bias. And there's also good coverage of the way social media and targeted internet advertising are changing the playing field.
Although this is an approachable, easy-to-read book, I went away from it a little disappointed, as it seemed just too lightweight - I felt like I was left wanting a lot more. More of the science, more insights and implications. It was a bit like reading a study (with lots of provisos) that gave you the basic facts, but didn't provide much in the way of discussion and conclusions. Even when dealing with social media, for example, we heard a lot about its existence and what was done with out, but little about its measurable impact on voters.
I would still very much recommend reading this book if you are at all interested in politics or what has been happening recently, particularly in light of the changes in social media. But I wish there had been a bit more to it.
This is, perhaps, the ideal time to come out with such a book, as there have been so many surprise results in the last few years from the last two British general elections to Brexit and Trump. And there is some interesting material in this slim volume (I got through it on a longish train journey). It's very pleasing also, that Lee De-Wit gives us a good balance between UK and US examples.
Perhaps the most surprising result covered is the discover that the biggest predictor of how we will vote is how open we are to new experiences rather than, say, class or wealth. We also see how traditional party support has changed over time. Other aspects will be more familiar if you've read any popular psychology, such as the impact of confirmation bias. And there's also good coverage of the way social media and targeted internet advertising are changing the playing field.
Although this is an approachable, easy-to-read book, I went away from it a little disappointed, as it seemed just too lightweight - I felt like I was left wanting a lot more. More of the science, more insights and implications. It was a bit like reading a study (with lots of provisos) that gave you the basic facts, but didn't provide much in the way of discussion and conclusions. Even when dealing with social media, for example, we heard a lot about its existence and what was done with out, but little about its measurable impact on voters.
I would still very much recommend reading this book if you are at all interested in politics or what has been happening recently, particularly in light of the changes in social media. But I wish there had been a bit more to it.
September 19, 2017
Disclaimer: While I aim to be unbiased, I received a copy of this for free to review.
This book was fascinating, a real thinker. De-Wit makes a great case for how we’re all inherently biased when it comes to politics and decision-making, and he uses a whole heap of different studies to back himself up. It was fascinating to see how subtly we’re influenced by such trivial things, even including the way that a politician looks or who actually proposed an idea. A case in point was a study in which conservative voters were asked to choose between two different standpoints and almost all of them agreed with Jeremy Corbyn – until they found out where the proposals had come from.
If nothing else, it’s worth reading books like this to get a better idea of how exactly our brains work and what might be going on inside our heads when we cast our votes. We can’t take steps to combat our bias unless we know it’s there, which is why it’s so important to understand what happens inside our heads. I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone, regardless of where they sit on the political spectrum. Enjoy.
This book was fascinating, a real thinker. De-Wit makes a great case for how we’re all inherently biased when it comes to politics and decision-making, and he uses a whole heap of different studies to back himself up. It was fascinating to see how subtly we’re influenced by such trivial things, even including the way that a politician looks or who actually proposed an idea. A case in point was a study in which conservative voters were asked to choose between two different standpoints and almost all of them agreed with Jeremy Corbyn – until they found out where the proposals had come from.
If nothing else, it’s worth reading books like this to get a better idea of how exactly our brains work and what might be going on inside our heads when we cast our votes. We can’t take steps to combat our bias unless we know it’s there, which is why it’s so important to understand what happens inside our heads. I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone, regardless of where they sit on the political spectrum. Enjoy.
October 4, 2017
I was asked to review this book by Nudge
As a poll clerk and canvasser I was interested in this book and thought I probably knew the answers- well I witnessed the arguments for and against Brexit on the 23rd June 2016- in a little church hall in Gloucestershire- I was merely scratching the surface.
This is ideal for readers who want to learn a bit of psychology around politics- it states we sometime vote for reasons we are not consciously aware of. take Brexit again the media flooded our brains with immigration- so when people started to go to the booths they truly thought this would solve the problem.
Then later that year President Trump was elected- who would have thought that was going to happen, but as I keep saying people must have believed in him as they voted for him.
As I have discussed the UK and the USA in the last two paragraphs, the author gives a good distribution between the UK and USA.
The author gives a good argument of how we today are so influenced by social media and advertising that is displayed on the internet that subconsciously affects how we think. Years ago we would have looked at class and how much money we have, and now there appears to be a shift. We are even influenced by what someone looks like.
This is not a heavy going book, readers will find this easy to read and extremely thought provoking.
I recommend this book - perhaps we will be more aware of influences when we go to the booths at the next election.
As a poll clerk and canvasser I was interested in this book and thought I probably knew the answers- well I witnessed the arguments for and against Brexit on the 23rd June 2016- in a little church hall in Gloucestershire- I was merely scratching the surface.
This is ideal for readers who want to learn a bit of psychology around politics- it states we sometime vote for reasons we are not consciously aware of. take Brexit again the media flooded our brains with immigration- so when people started to go to the booths they truly thought this would solve the problem.
Then later that year President Trump was elected- who would have thought that was going to happen, but as I keep saying people must have believed in him as they voted for him.
As I have discussed the UK and the USA in the last two paragraphs, the author gives a good distribution between the UK and USA.
The author gives a good argument of how we today are so influenced by social media and advertising that is displayed on the internet that subconsciously affects how we think. Years ago we would have looked at class and how much money we have, and now there appears to be a shift. We are even influenced by what someone looks like.
This is not a heavy going book, readers will find this easy to read and extremely thought provoking.
I recommend this book - perhaps we will be more aware of influences when we go to the booths at the next election.
September 3, 2021
A book about the psychological reasons that underlie politics. This eminently readable book covers, among other things:
our innate morality of fairness (and the different interpretations we have of what fairness means);
fundamental aspects of personality such as openness to change, conscientiousness, extraversion, empathy and anxiety which govern our political choices;
cognitive dissonance and confirmation bias;
our tendency to vote for someone whose face suggests competence;
the way the media frame stories;
fake news (and fake science) and how to combat it;
and why people don't vote.
I really enjoyed it. It was well written and easy to read with plenty of anecdote to balance the academic stuff. I knew quite a lot of it already (I wrote about cognitive dissonance as part of my own PhD thesis) but that was combined with the new stuff in a way that frequently made me think.
And as a collector of expressions I loved 'astroturfing' and 'sockpuppetry'.
This is an important book in the light of the new use of social media by political parties and the increasing polarisation of the electorate. It is also a good read, short and not at all heavy-going. It should be on your bookshelf!
our innate morality of fairness (and the different interpretations we have of what fairness means);
fundamental aspects of personality such as openness to change, conscientiousness, extraversion, empathy and anxiety which govern our political choices;
cognitive dissonance and confirmation bias;
our tendency to vote for someone whose face suggests competence;
the way the media frame stories;
fake news (and fake science) and how to combat it;
and why people don't vote.
I really enjoyed it. It was well written and easy to read with plenty of anecdote to balance the academic stuff. I knew quite a lot of it already (I wrote about cognitive dissonance as part of my own PhD thesis) but that was combined with the new stuff in a way that frequently made me think.
And as a collector of expressions I loved 'astroturfing' and 'sockpuppetry'.
This is an important book in the light of the new use of social media by political parties and the increasing polarisation of the electorate. It is also a good read, short and not at all heavy-going. It should be on your bookshelf!
May 6, 2019
The book is of the same league as 'Thinking Fast and Slow' or 'Nudge' but has a clear focus on political psychology. Published in 2017, it is able to analyse the absurdity (or not) of Brexit and Trump using established scientific theories. It is one of the few non-fiction reads that I finished as quickly as I would do for fiction. A refreshing and informing read.
September 26, 2022
Very accessible read motivated to “…help us grasp a little more clearly the points on which we disagree and, perhaps, help us focus instead on areas where we can find some common ground.” Wish it had been ever so slightly more inclusive of non-US/UK/occasional German examples, as if there weren’t elections or voters or biases anywhere else.
February 15, 2018
Gives a an accessible insight in what makes us vote the way we vote. Goes obviously beyond the voting and touches the way we shape opinions. The inclusion of short descriptions of experiments guides you in a enjoyable through the many “nice to know” biases
June 16, 2019
An interesting primer into the psychology of voting decisions, but don't expect much more than that.
July 26, 2019
Caused me to stop and have moments of self-reflection numerous times through the novel.
Easy to read and straight to the point.
Only complaints are that it's too short, wish there was more detail.
Easy to read and straight to the point.
Only complaints are that it's too short, wish there was more detail.
January 31, 2020
Great book on how we vote and the schemes behind the political machines agenda!! Would reccomend to any and all political people out there!!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews