Implicit bias operates outside of our conscious awareness.
Implicit bias is unconscious, automatic, and relies on associations that we form over time.
We can form bias toward groups of people based on what we see in the media, our background, and experiences.
Our biases reflect how we internalize messages about our society rather than our intent. Nevertheless, we can still act on our biases in ways that can harm others.
Key Concepts and Definitions in Module 1
Implicit Bias: It refers to the attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner. Implicit bias does NOT refer to beliefs we conceal or suppress in an effort to appear non-biased.
Attitudes: The evaluation of a specific object or entity. These evaluative feelings can range from positive to negative, or neutral towards a subject.
Bias: A systematically oriented evaluation or belief about an object, person, or concept. Biases can be neutral, positive, or negative.
Implicit: Operating outside of our conscious awareness.
Stereotypes: Beliefs that are mentally associated with a given category, regardless of whether they are factually accurate.
Associative learning: Our brain's ability to make connections between two separate concepts.
Formation of implicit bias: Implicit bias can be shaped by learning associations between particular qualities and social categories, such as race and/or gender, through direct lived experiences or indirect exposure to one’s physical and media environments.