Thread by @joelle_emerson

I often hear critiques of the Implicit Association Test. If the test doesn't predict behavior, folks argue, what's the point? Turns out it *does* predict behavior - at a community level. This @HiddenBrain episode does a great job exploring the research: npr.org/2018/03/09/591…

"In places where implicit bias in a community is higher than average, police shootings of minorities are also higher than average." journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.117…

I know a lot of people who advocate for inclusion are uncomfortable with the term "implicit" or "unconscious" bias, with the very reasonable concern that it can sound like "acceptable bias." Or "guiltless bias." But it's not that.

Very clearly not, given this research. As Mahzarin Banaji puts it, we "carry in our heads the thumbprint of the culture." Acknowledging that reality is an important step towards coming up with strategies to address it. As Banaji explains, there are no "quick fix" solutions.

While you can't "erase" implicit bias, you may be able to limit its impact on your behavior through thoughtful, well-timed interventions. One question to ask yourself: when do I make important decisions about people in my day-to-day life?

Once you identify those decision-making points, you can think about opportunities to intervene. Prompt you to slow down. To reflect. Use consistent processes. Remind yourself of areas where bias may undermine equitable, objective decision-making.