From Hindsight Bias to Machine Bias: Dr. Laura Zwaan on Learning from Mistakes

From Hindsight Bias to Machine Bias: Dr. Laura Zwaan on Learning from Mistakes

November 19, 2025 · 38 min · Episode 36

About this episode

Dr. Laura Zwaan discusses how human biases affect AI and the importance of transparency in creating trustworthy algorithms.

As a cognitive psychologist, Dr. Laura Zwaan studies how humans make—and learn from—mistakes. In this episode of NEJM AI Grand Rounds, she brings that lens to AI, showing how machines inherit our biases and why both need transparency and reflection. From the challenge of defining diagnostic error to the promise of “machine psychology,” Dr. Zwaan explores how human reasoning can inform safer algorithms and better care. Her message is clear: the path to trustworthy AI begins with understanding ourselves. Transcript.

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Host: NEJM AI Grand Rounds

Guest: Dr. Laura Zwaan

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Organizations: NEJM Group

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