Explicit Bias Explained - Perception Institute

What it is

“Explicit bias” refers to the attitudes and beliefs we have about a person or group on a conscious level. Much of the time, these biases and their expression arise as the direct result of a perceived threat. When people feel threatened, they are more likely to draw group boundaries to distinguish themselves from others.

Why it’s important

People are more likely to express explicit biases when they perceive an individual or group to be a threat to their well being. Research has shown that white people are more likely to express anti-Muslim prejudice when they perceive national security to be at risk and express more negative attitudes towards Asian Americans when they perceive an economic threat. When people perceive their biases to be valid, they are more likely to justify unfair treatment or even violence. This unfair treatment can have long-term negative impacts on its victims’ physical and mental health.

What can be done about it

Expressions of explicit of bias (discrimination, hate speech, etc.) occur as the result of deliberate thought. Thus, they can be consciously regulated. People are more motivated to control their biases if there are social norms in place which dictate that prejudice is not socially acceptable. As we start forming our biases at an early age, it is important that we reinforce norms in our homes, schools, and in the media that promote respect for one’s own and other groups. Research shows that emphasizing a common group identity (such as “we are all Americans”) can help reduce interracial tensions that may arise between majority and minority ethnic groups in the U.S. Also, when conducted under the right conditions, studies show intergroup contact between people of different races can increase trust and reduce the anxiety that underlies bias.

Relevant Articles & Publications

Jury Service and Implicit Bias: 2022 Anthem Awards Winner

We created this video in partnership with the New York State Unified Court System, in order to address the potential for juror biases that are implicit to affect outcomes in trials.

Promoting Fairness? Examining the Efficacy of Implicit Bias Training in the Criminal Justice System

In this book chapter (as part of Bias in the Law, 2020), Perception’s Co-Director, Rachel Godsil, examines the efficacy of implicit bias training efforts for stakeholders in the Criminal Justice System, as a mechanism to reduce racial disparities in outcomes across the system. Click here to access the chapter

Educating All of Our Children: Understanding and Addressing Implicit Bias

In this piece (2020), Perception’s Co-Director, Rachel Godsil, makes a case for educators to engage in the personal work to address implicit bias, in order to effectively meet the needs and support the academic growth of all students.

Prosecuting Fairly: Addressing the Challenges of Implicit Bias, Racial Anxiety, and Stereotype Threat

by Rachel D. Godsil and HaoYang (Carl) Jiang (Winter 2018) This article reviews the mind science of implicit bias, racial anxiety, & stereotype threat in the field of prosecution. Specifically, Godsil and Jiang demonstrate how these phenomena can undermine prosecutors’ performance and ability to serve their communities. The authors detail short and long-term steps that…

The Science of Equality in Education: The Impact of Implicit Bias, Racial Anxiety, and Stereotype Threat on Student Outcomes

This report reviews the research evidence of the role of implicit bias, racial anxiety, and stereotype threat on the academic and disciplinary outcomes of students. This report is an update of Perception Institute’s 2014 report The Science of Equality, Volume 1, which examined these phenomena in education and in healthcare.

The “Good Hair” Study: Explicit and Implicit Attitudes Toward Black Women’s Hair

The “Good Hair” Study: Explicit and Implicit Attitudes Toward Black Women’s Hair (February, 2017) by Alexis McGill Johnson, Rachel D. Godsil, Jessica MacFarlane, Linda R. Tropp, and Phillip Atiba Goff This report presents preliminary findings from the “Good Hair” Study, an original research study conducted by Perception Institute that examined explicit and implicit attitudes toward black women’s hair.

Explicit Bias