EP02: The Evolving Science of Unconscious Bias

In this episode of Farsight Chat, host Farah Bala explores the intricacies of unconscious bias with special guests Dr. Tessa Charlesworth and Caitlin Finton from Harvard University. The discussion delves into the complexities of implicit bias, the validity of the Harvard Implicit Association Test, and new research developments in understanding these biases. The episode sheds light on the evolution of biases over time, the importance of systemic and societal interventions to address them, and how individuals and organizations can work to outsmart these inherent prejudices. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own biases and consider strategies for fostering inclusive and equitable environments.

Key topics include:

1. Implicit Bias & Cultural Change: The speakers explore how biases, such as those related to race and sexual orientation, have decreased over time, but others, like age or weight bias, remain entrenched. They emphasize the importance of data in understanding these shifts.
2. IAT (Implicit Association Test): Caitlin explains the mechanics of the IAT, which measures unconscious biases. Both guests address criticisms of the test, noting that while it doesn't predict individual behavior perfectly, it offers valuable insights into cultural biases.
3. Intersectionality & Bias: The discussion includes a look at how different biases intersect, especially around race and wealth, and the emergence of new biases like transphobia.
4. Allyship and Interrupting Bias: Farah and the guests stress the importance of reflection and calling out biases in a compassionate way. This could involve simple phrases like "ouch" and "oops" to initiate dialogue without causing defensiveness.

00:00 Introduction to Farsight Chat

00:30 Episode Overview: Unconscious Bias

01:52 Meet the Guests: Dr. Tessa Charlesworth and Caitlin Finton

03:34 Personal Stories of Bias

07:46 The Importance of Measuring Bias

12:44 Implicit Association Test Explained

16:12 Impact of Bias Data on Cultural Conversations

27:58 New Biases and the Transfer of Prejudice

22:24 Global Research on Implicit Bias

31:55 Global Biases: A Worldwide Perspective

33:57 Unveiling Gender Stereotypes Across Nations

36:03 Intersectionality: Beyond Siloed Identities

37:23 Emergence of Intersectional Identities

45:09 Bias and Caution: Finding the Balance

53:11 Implicit Association Test: Criticisms and Insights

01:00:25 Continuous Learning and Addressing Bias

01:03:51 Conclusion and Future Conversations

Connect with our guests:

• Dr. Tessa Charlesworth | Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Harvard University
• Caitlyn Finton | Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard University | Director of Education, Outsmarting Implicit Bias

Resources cited in episode:

• Harvard's Implicit Association Test
• Outsmarting Implicit Bias
• Project Implicit
• Context matters. Example: Black people are underrepresented in missing persons reports by Columbia Journalism Review) and Black suspects are
• over-reported by police agencies on Facebook Police agencies on Facebook overreport on Black suspects. PNAS (Grunwald, Nyarko, & Rappaport, 2022.)
• Petsko, C. D., & Bodenhausen, G. V. (2020). Multifarious person perception: How social perceivers manage the complexity of intersectional targets. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 14(2), e12518.

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