You may not realise it, but cognitive bias influences how we think, decide, and interact at work. If you want to develop strategies to reduce bias using decision-making tools, bias-interruption techniques, and inclusive leadership practices, this course is ideal for you.
Cognitive Bias and Decision Making is a professional development course that explores how the brain’s natural shortcuts shape perception, judgment, and behaviour.
In this cognitive biases course, you will learn the psychology behind cognitive biases and explore how mental shortcuts influence perception, judgment, and workplace performance, while reflecting on your own thinking patterns and blind spots.
You will discover how bias manifests in professional settings, including recruitment, performance reviews, meetings, and safety decisions. You will also learn to analyse the impact of groupthink, stereotyping, attribution bias, and decision fatigue on fairness, inclusion, and communication.
On completion of this course, you will feel confident to make balanced decisions and promote a bias-aware workplace culture.
Unit - Cognitive Bias and Decision Making
Unit 1: Understanding Cognitive Biases
- The psychology of thinking
- System 1 and System 2 thinking
- Heuristics
- Confirmation bias
- Anchoring effect
- Availability bias
- Cultural and social influences on bias
- Self-awareness activity
Unit 2: Cognitive Biases in Workplace Practice
- Recruitment and selection biases
- Strategies to reduce recruitment and selection bias
- Performance appraisal and promotion biases
- Why fair evaluation matters
- Groupthink
- Stereotyping and implicit bias
- Attribution bias
- Decision fatigue and cognitive load
- Biases in safety and risk management
Unit 3: Recognising and Reducing Bias
- Metacognition
- Bias interruption techniques
- Decision frameworks
- Cognitive diversity
- The role of data and evidence
Unit 4: Embedding Bias-Aware Practice
- Bias-aware leadership
- Inclusive policy and procedure design
- Creating psychological safety
- Measuring and monitoring bias
- Ethics and responsibility
- Personal action plan
Study Hours
Estimated duration 15 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Approval and Recognition
Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY, Bank Transfer and Afterpay. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for BPAY, Bank Transfer and Afterpay.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Afterpay: Within 1-2 working days
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
All professional development
