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What is algorithmic bias?

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Overview

In this lesson, students are introduced to the concept of algorithmic bias. Students play a game that illustrates the concept through a hiring simulation. This could be the 1st lesson of a 4 part sequence.

  • AI & Society
  • 50 minutes
  • Created by Parth Sarin and Jacob Wolf
  • Adapted by Chris Mah
AI Generated image of scales where the right side scale being lower than the left

Digital Materials

Objectives

 

  • Define algorithmic bias
  • Define training data
  • Explain how it is present in a specific AI application

Questions explored

 

  • What is algorithmic bias?
  • What is training data?
  • How might algorithmic bias be present in everyday things?

Key Terms

Algorithmic Bias
When AI produces repeatable errors that create unfair outcomes, favoring some groups over others.
Data
Information collected together for reference or analysis. Often mentioned with computers and used to train many kinds of AI.
Training
The way engineers teach AI to get better by learning from new data.
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