12.6 Chapter 12: In-Class Activity- Do you have a hidden bias?

Do YOU have a hidden bias?

According to the Pew Research Center, racism and views about racism have dramatically changed.  About 6 in 10 Americans now report that race relations are bad.  More troubling, roughly two-thirds of Americans say it's become more common and even acceptable to express racist or bias views.   Over half of Americans report the bigger issue is recognizing bias. 

How can managers and supervisors begin to pay more attention?  The first step in solving discrimination and bias in the workplace is becoming aware of personal biases.  The effects of bias in the workplace are dramatic.  Writing for Harvard Business Review, Economist and Consultant Sylvia Ann Hewett warns that "if employees think the boss is unfair ( or bias), they're more likely to disengage and leave."  This is particularly troubling given the fact that most organizations spend close to $20,000 recuiting, staffing, and training new employees.  In other words, an implicit bias against race, age, gender, or socio-economic status could cost a company thousands of dollars. 

What is implicit bias?  Implicit bias refers to attitudes, stereotypes, or preconceived judgements that affect a person's understanding, actions, or decisions in a completely unconscious way.  If it's unconscious, then how can a manager or supervisor determine if he or she has a bias?

There are a number of standardized tests that have been developed to try and detect a hidden or implicit bias.  Developed by Anthony Greenwald, Professor of Psychology at University of Washington, The Implicit Association Test (IAT) has become a standardized way of detecting aspects of bias.  To date, the test has been taken by over one million people, and the results usually reveal a certain degree of implicit bias in nearly everyone.  Is the test accurate?  The researchers themselves admit there is no reliable instrument that can consistently and accurately predict and measure bias.  However, the success of the IAT is in making people more aware. 

Whether we realize it or not, all of us carry around biases that influence how we interact with the world around us.  These biases can interfere with our capacity to work well in groups, follow orders, and make decisions.  An internal bias can prevent and stand in the way of motivation.  It can even result in the loss of creative, productive employees.  It creates conflict and affects the climate and morale of organizations.

Do you have a hidden bias? As you take the following tests, consider your own results.  After seeing your results, consider how your awareness may have changed.  Expanding and embracing diversity is the most conclusive and successful way to eliminate implicit bias.  

Take the Quizzes:

1.  Go to the Project Implicit website.

2.  Click on "I Wish to Proceed" at the bottom of the Preliminary Information.

3.  From the list, click on and take the following quizzes:

Age IAT

Race IAT

Gender-Career IAT

View this video:

Prejudice and Discrimination: Crash Course Psychology #39 (9:53)