We all have hidden prejudices – here’s how to override them

We all have hidden prejudices(ˈprejədəs) – here’s how to override them

Confronting(kənˈfrənt) our unconscious(ˌənˈkänSHəs) biases(ˈbīəs) requires concerted(kənˈsərdəd) effort(ˈefərt). Fortunately(ˈfôrCH(ə)nətlē), there are simple things everyone can do to avoid the cognitive(ˈkäɡnədiv) shortcuts that underpin them

By Pragya Agarwal

We are still getting to grips(ɡrip) with the most effective ways to identify and address bias. What is clear is that it is a difficult task that requires concerted, consistent(kənˈsistənt) effort. But there are strategies that make a difference.

A first step is to make biases visible. This can include taking the Implicit(imˈplisit) Association Test to raise(rāz) awareness, but this needs to be complemented(ˈkämpləmənt) by active reflection – including recognising(ˈrekəɡˌnīz) triggers for bias and examining(iɡˈzamən) how our life experiences have shaped our biases.

Research has shown that using blind(blīnd) or anonymised(əˈnänəˌmīz) hiring practices may help weaken biases that can limit opportunities for women and minority(məˈnôrədē) groups. One study found that using blind auditions(ôˈdiSH(ə)n) increased the likelihood(ˈlīklēˌho͝od) that women musicians were hired by an orchestra(ˈôrkəstrə) by up to 46 per cent. Research in France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands has showed that removing names from applications increases the likelihood that candidates(ˈkandiˌdāt) from minority groups will be invited to interview.

We can tackle(ˈtak(ə)l) generalised(ˈjen(ə)rəˌlīz) assumptions(əˈsəm(p)SH(ə)n) by being clear that a particular attribute is associated with an individual rather than their whole group, for example “This boy is good at maths”. This approach can help to diminish(dəˈminiSH) stereotypes(ˈsterēəˌtīp) and the pressure to conform to them.

Taking our time with important decisions can also help us avoid cognitive shortcuts that perpetuate(pərˈpeCHəˌwāt) bias. When this isn’t possible, rehearsing(rəˈhərs) reactions to high stress situations can help prevent biased snap decisions, research with police(pəˈlēs) has shown.

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https://www.newscientist.com/article/2252873-we-all-have-hidden-prejudices-heres-how-to-override-them/