The Role of Curiosity in Countering Bias

Fraud examination and investigation requires a curious mind, but can this very same trait protect us from falling victim to our own biases?

The 2023 ACFE Women's Summit hosted a panel session exploring this link between bias and curiosity, featuring moderator Janet McHard and panelists Chelsea Binns, Ph.D, CFE, Bernadette L. Harris, CFE, and Kelly Paxton, CFE. The session delved into the ways curiosity can confirm or overcome biases in investigations and practical approaches to recognizing and mitigating potential biases. We'll discuss the key takeaways from this enlightening and thought-provoking session, including how to harness the power of curiosity to eliminate biases that may appear in investigations.

The panelists pointed out that bias can manifest in different ways in investigations, such as subconscious or conscious feelings of innocence or guilt without evidence, causing investigators to overlook relevant information. It is essential to recognize that anyone has the potential to be a fraudster, and there is no “look” for a fraudster, as Harris pointed out. Paxton shared a personal experience in which she was handed a bias but decided to look for the facts instead, discovering that the allegations were false and created by a scorned boyfriend. This example highlights the importance of challenging our own biases and remaining open to considering all possible explanations.

McHard noted that our brains process 11 million bits of data per second, with only 50 bits per second being processed consciously, making bias prevalent in our subconscious. However, the panelists emphasized that curiosity can be a powerful tool for overcoming biases because it encourages investigators to explore alternative explanations and pursue all possible leads.

The Curiosity Toolkit

To develop your curiosity toolkit, the panelists shared practical tools and tips that can help investigators approach their work with curiosity and overcome biases.

Firstly, it is essential to make time for curiosity. Investigators are often busy, and they may rush through their work without taking the time to explore alternative explanations or pursue all possible leads. The panelists emphasized the importance of slowing down and taking the time to ask thoughtful questions and follow up on leads.

Active listening is another important tool for channeling curiosity in interviewing. By taking a genuine interest in the person being interviewed, investigators can foster their curiosity and gain deeper insights into the case.

It is also important to acknowledge and challenge your biases. By recognizing your preconceived notions and working to overcome them, you can approach your work with greater objectivity and curiosity.

Empathy was also discussed as a crucial element of developing a curiosity toolkit. By putting oneself in another person's shoes and considering their motivations and perspectives, investigators can uncover new leads and gain a deeper understanding of the case at hand.

Finally, seeking out outside opinions or thoughts can also aid in developing a curiosity toolkit. Collaborating with colleagues or seeking the input of experts in related fields can provide fresh perspectives and uncover new avenues for investigation.

McHard reminded the audience near the end of the session that curiosity is a skill, and we can improve it by actively and intentionally practicing curiosity.