Thread by @kaymtye

Thread:

Today, @NIMHgov Implicit Bias Awareness education, @HannahValantine gave a fantastic talk about actionable strategies to "Block Bias."

One tip is to use a structured interview.

Vague criteria (such as Overall Attitude/Vibe/Fit, etc.) allow bias to be expressed. 1/n

https://twitter.com/kaymtye/status/1174311929789071360

@NIMHgov @HannahValantine Recommendation letters (and Promotion letters!) often have biased language that can hurt the candidates.

Not sure if you are doing this?

There is a Gender Bias Calculator!!
Paste in your letter text and it will tell you how you're doing.
tomforth.co.uk/genderbias/

2/n

@NIMHgov @HannahValantine Another fact I learned was that the applicant pool for R01s is only ~30% women.

No difference for new R01s in award rate by gender, but there is a difference (in favor of men) for R01 renewals.

3/n

@NIMHgov @HannahValantine I want to thank and commend Susan Amara and Josh Gordon @NIMHDirector for providing the Board of Scientific Counselors with this education.

Would be great to implement at beginning of every study section.

4/n

@NIMHgov @HannahValantine @NIMHDirector Also, when evaluating candidates, keep in mind the

Matthew Effect
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_e…

And

Matilda Effect
is a bias against acknowledging the achievements of those women scientists
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matilda_e…
openculture.com/2018/08/the-ma…

5/n

@NIMHgov @HannahValantine @NIMHDirector If you notice bias, "interrupt" it by questioning it.
Stick to the same criteria for everyone.

If someone else is "interrupting" it, and you also see it, agree with them.

This can IMMEDIATELY reduce biased language and biased review within the same discussion.

6/n

@NIMHgov @HannahValantine @NIMHDirector Learn to recognize the main types of Bias:

1) Confirmation Bias
2) In-group Bias
3) Halo (Matthew) effect (see also Matilda effect)
4) Group Think

7/n

@NIMHgov @HannahValantine @NIMHDirector According to Laura Guillen, “While self-confidence is gender-neutral, the consequences of appearing self-confident are not.”

forbes.com/sites/hannahar…

8/n

@NIMHgov @HannahValantine @NIMHDirector This thread I'm focusing on a few issues I haven't touched on before, but many more resources (and references) are consolidated here in my first (and only) blog post which was posted ~5 months ago. (Since some have asked)

hellobio.com/blog/gender-bi…

9/n