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UAdiscusses... Unconscious Bias 2007-2008
What is Hidden or Unconscious Bias?
The ability to distinguish friend from foe helped early humans survive, and the ability to quickly and automatically categorize people is a fundamental quality of the human mind. Categories give order to life, and every day, we group other people into categories based on social and other characteristics. This is the foundation of stereotypes, prejudice and, ultimately, discrimination.
Recent scientific research has demonstrated that biases thought to be absent or extinguished remain as "mental residue" in most of us. Studies show people can be consciously committed to egalitarianism, and deliberately work to behave without prejudice, yet still possess hidden negative prejudices or stereotypes. So even though we believe we see and treat people as equals, hidden biases may still influence our perceptions and actions.
Psychologists at Harvard, the University of Virginia, and the University of Washington created "Project Implicit" to develop Hidden Bias Tests — called Implicit Association Tests, or IATs, in the academic world — to measure unconscious bias. IATs can tap those hidden, or automatic, stereotypes and prejudices that circumvent conscious control. Your willingness to examine your own possible biases is an important step in understanding the roots of stereotypes and prejudice in our society.
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Unconscious Bias Resources
Events About Unconscious Bias
Major Partner: Center for Research on Equity and Opportunity
The ADVANCE program seeks to actively advance the research and scientific reputation of the University of Arizona by promoting faculty diversity and the equitable treatment of faculty. This mission will benefit scientists, students, and citizens of the state of Arizona by promoting discovery and innovation and ensuring all scientists, regardless of gender, have the opportunity to excel and to be recognized for their achievement. The UA ADVANCE program is managed by the Center for Research on Equity and Opportunity (CREO).
Promoting equity, and gender equity specifically, is not just about being fair. The manner in which science is accomplished and the subsequent rewards it brings are shaped by those who are involved. Unconscious bias in the academy limits the direction science takes and the application of the findings. In recognition of this and with funding awarded by the National Science Foundation’s ADVANCE IT program, the UA is joining a select cadre of other institutions in providing a model of equity in the academy.
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