In this process of understanding what implicit bias is and getting to learn about our own biases, it is normal to start to feel like they are too deeply ingrained in our thoughts and actions to be able to combat their effects. However, as more research comes to light, we are able to find more and more ways to either lessen the effects of bias, or change the biases themselves. Although the latter is certainly a larger undertaking, it is very possible to do so. In the same way that our implicit biases were learned over time, we can disrupt this process with intention, attention and time.

This is because the neural connections between our associations get stronger as we take in more information that confirms our stereotypes or biases. By paying better attention to what we are exposed to and making the intentional choice to seek out experiences that go against our biases, we are able to disrupt this automatic chain of events, and those physical connection in our mind can be weakened. Two interventions we will be talking about later—mindfulness and intergroup contact, have shown the ability to not only stop the manifestation of these biases, but alter the implicit biases we possess.

Module 4: Recap

• There are long term strategies and changes that we can engage in to reduce our unwanted biases, such as mindfulness and intergroup contact.
• One of the best ways to prevent and intervene against bias, is by knowing when you are more susceptible to acting on it, such as moments of high ambiguity, subjectivity, or stress.
• Knowledge about the operation of implicit bias can help inform the individual and institutional approaches you take to address inequitable outcomes.
• Learning about implicit bias provides a lens to help examine causes of racial, gender, or other social disparities, even in the absence of explicit intent to discriminate.

Module 4: Key concepts and definitions

• Factors that increase our reliance on implicit associations: cognitive load (mental fatigue), subjectivity, ambiguity, lack of meaningful intergroup contact, overconfidence in one’s ability to make objective or inclusive decisions. 
• Cognitive load: Cognitive load can sometimes be described as mental fatigue. High cognitive load, or mental fatigue, can increase the likelihood that an activated stereotype will be applied. Experiences and circumstances such as hunger, lack of sleep, time pressures, and distractions have been found to increase cognitive load.
• Subjectivity: Subjectivity involves judgments or perspectives based on personal feelings and beliefs, rather than on verifiable facts and evidence.
• Objectivity: Objectivity involves judgments or perspectives based on external facts and data, rather than personal feelings, beliefs, or experiences, 
  Ambiguity: Ambiguity involves a situation or circumstance in which something can be interpreted in two or more possible ways. 
   

Module 4: Check-in

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