Unconscious Bias

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Unconscious Bias

Unconscious bias refers to a bias that we are unaware of, and which happens outside of our control. It is a bias that happens automatically and is triggered by our brain making quick judgments and assessments of people and situations, influenced by our background, cultural environment and personal experiences.

Equality Challenge Unit, 2013

Implicit Bias

Implicit bias refers to [unconscious bias], but questions the level to which these biases are unconscious especially as we are being made increasingly aware of them. Once we know that biases are not always explicit, we are responsible for them. We all need to recognise and acknowledge our biases and find ways to mitigate their impact on our behaviour and decisions.

Equality Challenge Unit, 2013

Implicit Association Test

Click here to do the Implicit Association Test

If you are interested in gaining insight into your own implicit social cognition, the above link provides access to a wide range of Implicit Association Tests (IAT), including a Race IAT.

These tests were created by researchers from US based universities; the test results they generate can provide useful frames of reference for those living, studying and working in the UK.



Publications

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Literature Review: Unconscious Bias

(Equality Challenge Unit, 2013)

Key psychological theories related to unconscious/implicit bias; review of research on the impact of implicit bias on decision making, behaviour and actions; methods and techniques for reducing unconscious/implicit bias; summary of recommendations.