Sway: Unravelling Unconscious Bias, a new book by researcher DrPragyaAgarwal looks at the hidden factors that often influence our decision-making without our knowledge
. First, participants were either shown a picture of a black face or a white face. Then, they were given a second picture: that of a gun or an innocuous tool. They had a split second to decide what the object was. Their findings? Those who were primed with the black faces incorrectly ID’d the object at higher rates, more frequently identifying the innocuous objects as guns. When given more time to decide, this discrepancy disappeared.
They’re not always faulty. But there is a danger that when we process all information that’s coming to us so fast, we don’t have time to process it on a very rational level in our brain. Instead, we react to it by matching it to the templates in our brain that are based on our previous memories or experiences. There is a danger that when we do that, we conform to some of the stereotypes, biases, or prejudices that exist within us, without us even realizing it.
The time pressure is important here because that’s when we are falling back on our biases—we are letting our fear take over rather than making a rational decision. In some cases, they primed the participants by showing them pictures of black faces. Those who saw black faces before the experiment were more frequently incorrectly identifying the tools as guns, which means that that was impacting the decisions or judgment.
Empathy is also really important. I talk about microaggressions often. We don’t realize that when we make jokes, that can affect another person. It can make them feel othered. Experiments have shown that when people are made to think that they’re stepping into somebody else’s shoes, they are more considerate. They’re kinder. They’re more compassionate. They can understand how the other person is feeling from their perspective.
Role models and representation are also really important. When we talk about diversity—it’s not just a box-ticking exercise. It’s a way to show, say police officers, that not all black men act in the same way. That not all women act in the same way. It’s to break those kinds of homogenized stereotypes and templates that people have so that they’re more able to assess the information that is in front of them without assigning these labels.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Streams of N.W.A's 'F-k tha Police' Nearly Quadruple Amid Nationwide ProtestsChildish Gambino’s “This Is America,” YG’s “FDT” and Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” also see a surge in streams following the death of George Floyd
Read more »
It’s Time to Show Some Respect for Humility'Focusing on those who are humble rather than those who are narcissists can help you appreciate the brighter side of human nature,' writes swhitbo
Read more »
Makeup Artist Bob Scott Created the Dreamiest Rainbow Pride Makeup You’ll Ever See'Makeup for Pride is about amping up your everyday. It's being your loudest self and being as bright and as bold as you want to be.'
Read more »
Charges Upgraded Against Chauvin; 3 Other Officers Involved in George Floyd's Death to Be Charged: ReportDerek Chauvin's third-degree murder charge is expected to be upgraded to second-degree murder
Read more »
Keke Palmer Is Being Praised For This Video Of Her Confronting The National Guard At A Black Lives Matter Protest'March beside us and show us that you're here for us. Make history with us, please.'
Read more »
What is an unconscious bias? Psychologist discusses making changeDr. Jennifer Eberhardt, author of “Biased” and a social psychologist at Stanford University, tells Hoda and Jenna about her experience working with police departments to examine unconscious biases and create change.
Read more »