From the course: Unconscious Bias

Perception bias

From the course: Unconscious Bias

Perception bias

- [Woman] The University of North Carolina, Executive Development Program, defines perception bias, as the tendency to form stereotypes and assumptions, about certain groups, that make it difficult to make an objective judgment, about individual members of those groups. While affinity bias and halo effect, tend to be specific to an individual, and our perception of them, perception bias is typically based, on a larger labeling of a group, and influences everyone associated with that group. Meaning if we have had the experience, that our neighbor's child who volunteers, at a local retirement community is generous and helpful, when you meet another child, who has also volunteered in a similar way, you might have a difficult time, seeing any of his negative traits. And as I keep pointing out, we apply the same logic to people we work with. According to a study led by researcher, Moss-Racusin, and published in the proceedings, of the National Academy of Sciences, there is an assumption, that men are better suited for science, and technology related projects than women. So how does this affect women? As an example, when hiring for a web engineer, an SEO analyst, or a data scientist, if nine out of 10 candidates are men, it is difficult to put aside the perception, that anyone else can be successful in these types of jobs, and hire a woman. Our experience has shown us that men work in these roles, not women. So we gravitate towards the perception, we are accustomed to. While there are many programs in place, to increase the number of women in these fields, the disparity cannot be addressed, until women are perceived as just as capable as men, in traditionally male dominated fields. The problem actually lies in the bias, that makes those assumptions in the first place, and not as much in the hiring process. If the bias is based on stereotype rather than fact, the act of overlooking underrepresented groups of people, will continue. Further, if we don't stop and question, when the bias is reinforced by the inequality we see, then we will continue to believe and perpetuate them. Tackling the underlying unconscious bias, can be achieved by acknowledging the problem exists, ensuring there is widespread awareness of it, resolving to do something about it, and becoming accountable for your actions. With this in mind, what steps can you take today, to change your perceptions? The next time you make a statement about someone, ask yourself if that statement is based in fact. And facts need to be questioned too. It might be factual, that all of the engineers in your department, are able bodied males. But is that a fact you want to remain unchanged? Remaining curious and questioning assumptions, is a great way to keep our mind sharp, and our actions unbiased.

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