• Select a simple random sample from a finite population
• Understand and apply different sampling methods
• Determine and explain bias in a sampling method

Inclusivity and Bias

While “random” has a special meaning in statistics separate from its meaning in real life, bias carries its meaning in both statistics and life. As statisticians, we desire samples that are free from sampling bias. Did you know, it wasn’t until 1993 that women and minorities were required by law to be included in clinical research? ^[1]

Bias

Bias is prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair.

While we’ve seen examples of bias in statistics, it’s important to recognize bias in our daily lives and in our classrooms. As we work in groups, remember that being an inclusive communicator will not only make group projects run more smoothly, but it will also  give you the skills needed to be an effective communicator with others at work and in your personal life.

Being an inclusive group member

When you are being inclusive, it means that you are:

• Ensuring that everyone gets a chance to speak.
• Acknowledging your own biases.
• Genuinely listening to others.
• Using inclusive language.

Ensure that everyone gets a chance to speak

This means not dominating the conversation and ensuring that even those who are quiet still get a voice at the table. One study found that women who were outnumbered in decision-making groups spoke less than 75% of the time than men did.^[2] Opinions from all genders (as well as all races, backgrounds, abilities, etc.) need to be solicited and heard, and in an environment where their ideas will be considered and respected.^[3] Recognize that others may not communicate in the same way as you do, so be accommodating.

Genuinely listen

This means respecting others’ ideas and giving everyone the time and space to participate. Team members should not interrupt others or make fun of their ideas, but listen with genuine curiosity and interest. By being fully present during conversations (minimizing distractions, looking at the other person, paying attention, and being aware of your own body language), you can help others know their ideas are valued.

Acknowledge your own biases

Biases are prejudiced attitudes and beliefs that people hold about people or things. Some of these biases you are aware of (i.e., “I know I have a preference for people wearing the color red” or “I really get along with anyone who also loves my favorite singer”), but others you may be unaware of. The attitudes we have towards certain people without being conscious of those are called implicit biases. For example, maybe you have a bias towards working with people who look like you—if this is true, you can acknowledge that bias and work towards changing it.

You can test your implicit biases at this site.

Use inclusive language

Inclusive language means using words, phrases, or tones that do not contain discriminatory, stereotyped, or prejudiced ideas of groups of people. Inclusive communicators want to ensure that their language conveys respect and creates a safe environment for others. This means they do not use racist labels for groups, inappropriate slang, generalizations, or words that imply that everyone has the same background that they do. They use a person’s preferred pronouns and are sensitive to how their words are perceived by others.

Inclusive Language	Don’t Say This	Say This Instead	Explanation
People first: When you are describing a person who belongs to a group with a disability or an illness, use people-first language to avoid subconscious bias.	Jane is a disabled person.	Jane has a disability.	In the first example, Jane is identified solely based on her disability. In the second example, the audience understands that the disability is only part of Jane’s identity.
Words matter: Choose your words carefully to make sure you are not excluding people or using language that has embedded stereotypes or limitations.	The wives of executives are also invited to attend the annual gala.	The partners of executives are also invited to attend the annual gala.	In the first instance, the assumption is made that the executives all have wives. It excludes anyone who has non-gender-conforming partners or executives with husbands. The second example is a much more inclusive way of representing the partners of executives.
Inclusive terms: Constantly review the words and phrases you use to make sure they are inclusive of all your audience.	Hello, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to our conference today.	Hello, everyone. Welcome to our conference today.	In the first example, members of the audience who do not identify as women or men would feel excluded by this use of language. The language in example two is more inclusive and does not cause offense.
Generalizations and stereotypes: When communicating with others, be careful about making assumptions based on age, gender, culture, and so on.	As we all know, it is difficult for old people to adapt to new technology, so we should require old people to come into the office.	In our company survey, 30% of respondents indicated that they were not comfortable with the new work-from-home technology. I think we should provide further training or give them the option to work from the office.	In the first example, the speaker is making a stereotype about workers who are in a certain age group. This is an example of ageism. Instead of using generalizations, try to be more specific about the language you use. In example two, the speaker refers to specific data, and ageist language is avoided.
Insensitive language: Certain words or phrases may be offensive to your audience. As a communicator, it is your duty to educate yourself about those terms to make sure you do not cause offense.	Let’s have a powwow to discuss the new contract we received from Sunny Roofing.	Let’s have a meeting to discuss the new contract we received from Sunny Roofing.	Some people use the word “powwow” to mean meet or gather. However, the word powwow is considered a sacred social gathering held by indigenous communities in North America. Using the word casually in business to refer to a meeting is culturally insensitive.

 

Now that we have delved into the concepts of inclusivity and bias, let’s turn our attention to the powerful role statistics play in unraveling the complexities of student diversity.

By employing statistical methods, we can dissect data to reveal patterns, disparities, and nuances within diverse student populations. This analytical lens allows us to not only understand the current landscape but also to identify areas where inclusivity can be enhanced and bias mitigated.

Let’s harness the tools of statistics to shed light on the rich tapestry of student diversity, fostering a more inclusive and equitable educational environment!

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