- Understand what prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination are
- Define the self-fulfilling prophecy and confirmation bias
- Explain reasons for the existence of prejudice and discrimination
Uncovering our Hidden Biases
As we saw in our chapter, the human mind often takes mental shortcuts such as using stereotypes and confirmation bias that can result in skewed perceptions of others, especially those perceived as being in the out-group. Even when our personal values emphasize equality and social justice, systemic injustice and bias as well as prejudice within our society are often internalized, resulting in bias. We all have subconscious bias, and it does not make us bad people. However, becoming more aware of these biases allows us to have greater agency in how these attitudes ultimately impact how we should up with others and in the world.
The Implicit Association Test is a computer exercise out of Harvard University that helps to uncover implicit attitudes, or subtle biases, towards social groups that we might not even know we have. Take the Implicit Association Test by following the steps below:
- Visit the Implicit Association Test and choose “Project Implicit Social Attitudes”
- Read the “preliminary information” as well as “general information“.
- Select a test regarding a group that interests you or with which you are interested in exploring your implicit attitudes.
- Complete demographic items as well as simple exercises. This should take about 20 minutes.
After completing the test, review your results and respond to the questions below.
- What did your results indicate? What is your reaction to these results?
- Can you think of any life experiences that may contribute to or explain the results you received?
- How did your personal results compare to the American population as a whole? What do you think this means for our larger society?
- Why is it important to bring awareness to implicit attitudes and biases? How might your results impact your behavior or choices going forward?