Implicit bias often refers to the unconscious association of people or objects with certain stereotypes or beliefs we have about them. Previous studies have identified implicit bias as the main reason for discrimination against others, and methods have been devised to educate individuals on how to manage their implicit biases such that they do not behave in ways that would discriminate others.
According to a team of researchers from various universities, past studies which endorse the implementation of implicit bias training did not conduct any follow-up studies to determine the effectiveness of the training. While it is possible to correct implicit biases, the studies failed to examine any changes over a long period of time.
These studies have influenced the public to help change their implicit biases. Individuals can easily access online Implicit Association Tests to measure the extent of their biases. Furthermore, companies have implemented practical means to reduce the impacts of implicit bias.
However, the researchers did not find any promising results that proves that implicit bias can be changed in the long run. Additionally, there was few evidences that alterations in implicit bias leads to changes in an individual’s behavior.
More research is needed to determine the relationship between an individual’s behavior and their implicit assumptions or attitudes. Hence, prior studies that encourage correcting implicit bias to reduce discrimination are not developed enough to be applied in the society.
Category(s):Prejudice / Discrimination
Source material from Science Daily
