implicit bias

noun

plural implicit biases
: a bias or prejudice that is present but not consciously held or recognized
These studies reveal that students, nurses, doctors, police officers, employment recruiters, and many others exhibit implicit biases with respect to race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, social status, and other distinctions.J. T. Jost et al.
"Research shows that the majority of people have an implicit bias that associates science and technology with gender, so from a very young age, girls are not encouraged to pursue these careers," she [Caroline Simard] said.Claire Cain Miller

Examples of implicit bias in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In addition, implicit bias, which exists in all demographic groups, may influence teachers’ perceptions of the behavior and academic potential of students, and therefore their subsequent recommendations. Liza Bondurant, The Conversation, 19 June 2024 Beyond the medical community, organizations and businesses can support implicit bias training on a mandatory basis, says Fani. Becky Upham, EverydayHealth.com, 17 June 2024 Rector would be an invaluable presence on The Traitors — a show that, like Survivor, needs to contend with the way that implicit biases affect the show’s outcomes. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2024 The interactive exhibition raises awareness about the social science and psychology of implicit bias, its impact and what people can do about it. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 May 2024 All patients deserve care that eliminates implicit bias, seeks to understand their unique medical needs holistically, and listens without assumptions that lead to indifference. Blake Simpson, Fortune, 21 May 2024 In February, California’s 4th District Court of Appeal ruled that Shore had not taken into account implicit bias during a Racial Justice Act hearing for a driver who alleged San Diego police improperly pulled him over and arrested him. Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2024 Under Cunningham, Amherst instituted a two-step hiring process, intended to root out implicit bias: one committee chose candidates and another asked the applicants a uniform set of questions. Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2024 If the data contains historical or implicit biases, the AI's predictions may be skewed, leading to unfair policy rates or coverage denial for certain groups of people. Neil Sahota, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'implicit bias.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of implicit bias was in 1925

Dictionary Entries Near implicit bias

Cite this Entry

“Implicit bias.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/implicit%20bias. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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