Reference no: EM133760979

Instructions:

Note: This exercise requires honest self-reflection and a detailed response. It is important to recognize that it is quite normal to have an implicit bias that you do not consciously agree with.

After reading and reviewing all of the information on implicit bias, take some time to reflect upon and respond to the following. Be sure to address questions 1-3 below.

Were you surprised by anything you learned about implicit bias?

• If "yes", what surprised you and why?
• If "no", briefly describe your previous connection to the concepts of implicit bias.
• What specific strategies or "ah-ha!" moments appeared for you in the readings and videos? *Be sure to reference specific examples from the resources.

Choose either option A or option B below. You are welcome to do both if you'd like, but only one is required.

Implicit Bias Reflection (option A) 

Review the Verna Myers video. Reflect upon the following and address the prompts:

• Consider the scenarios presented in the Verna Myers video about her own experiences with implicit bias (the pilot and asking for directions).
• Recall a scenario that you've experienced where you felt unsure of or unsafe with another person (even if only briefly) based on physical or demographic attributes.
• Consider the type of people you may have implicit bias against (run from) and the type of people you have an implicit affinity for (run to).

Address the following:

• What physical characteristics and visible attitudes might you fear in a stressful situation?
• Do you feel the same in any situation or are there certain places you feel more or less comfortable interacting with others?
• Provide a personal example of a time when you feel your bias was showing.
• What past influences may have caused you to react or feel that way?

Choose and complete and IAT at

• Note: These test typically take around 15 minutes to complete. Do your best to find a quiet spot where you will not be interrupted while taking the test. You will be required to review the "Preliminary Information" page and then click "I wish to proceed" at the bottom of that page. While not required, you may choose to read other information on the site, including the FAQs in the "Education" section.
• I challenge you to take a test related to a group you feel you have the least bias toward, but you may choose any of the tests related to a group of people (e.g. take the "race" or "skin-tone" test not "weapons" or "presidents").
• Respond to the following questions. A complete, thoughtful response to each of the following questions is expected in order to receive full points. It can be helpful to copy the questions and paste them into your response.
• What feelings or reactions did you have while taking the IAT and upon learning your IAT results? Why do you feel you had the reactions you did?
• Reflect on and describe life experiences that may have influenced your results.
• Consider your childhood and family upbringing; the neighborhoods in which you've lived; elements of your career path; media messages; your family and peer networks; etc. Which experiences have shaped your biases, with or without your conscious awareness? And why?
• Briefly explain the significance of implicit bias and discuss how this information and awareness can be helpful as we work toward improved human relations. How does this knowledge and awareness affect your future actions and decisions in your workplace and in other aspects of your life?