Thursday, October 16, 2008

Dig Deeper: Test Yourself for Hidden Bias


from Tolerance.org

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.

Take a test at Project Implicit's website and see what may be lingering in your psyche.

After taking a test, read Tolerance.org's tutorial to learn more about stereotypes and prejudice and the societal effects of bias.

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