Unconscious Bias

Published: Nov. 4, 2016, 7:50 p.m.

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Are you sexist, racist or ageist? Even if you think you are open-minded, the chances are, you will be judging people and situations without even realising. These hidden biases \\u2013 which are different from conscious prejudice \\u2013 lurk within our minds.

Science clearly shows that almost all of us have at least one of these tendencies - an implicit preference for one race over another, for men over women, for young over old or vice versa. Our unconscious biases are influenced by our background, our personal experiences and the culture in which we live. And, they can affect the way we behave, the decisions we make - whether it is who we hire, who we promote or even \\u2013 in the case of jurors \\u2013 who we believe is guilty or not guilty.

Mike Williams learns about an online assessment test that measures unconscious bias, explores the extent to which we can we limit these hidden biases, once we are aware of them. And, hears how one orchestra, in particular, has a solution to the problem \\u2013 by asking prospective players to remove their shoes. \\n \\nContributors: Mahzarin Banaji, Professor of Psychology, Havard University; \\nDr Pete Jones, Psychologist; Nick Logie, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment; \\nYassmin Abdel-Magied, mechanical engineer and founder, Mumtaza speakers bureau; \\nKayo Anosike, Music Director/Kayla Benjamin, Training Consultant; \\nMargenett Moore-Roberts, Yahoo\\u2019s Global Head, Inclusive Diversity;\\nPatrick Brayer, criminal defence attorney, St Louis, Missouri.

(Photo: Man holding a baby whilst ironing and woman fixing car. Credit: Volkovslava & Wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock)

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