Effect of Race on Ratings of Hypothetical Candidates for a Research Scholarship/Research Assistant Position

Abstract

Background: Study of the racial–ethnic biases of medical students is necessary to further understand health disparities. The objectives of this study were to (a) determine if medical students exhibit racial biases, (b) assess whether there are differences in racial biases among medical students who have and have not received a curriculum in cultural sensitivity, and (c) determine if these findings vary by student race–ethnicity. Description: We evaluated medical students' preferences in hiring hypothetical candidates for a research scholarship and a research assistant position. Each student received a packet containing four curricula vitae (CVs) with attached photographs. Three CVs and photographs were identical. The fourth CV was identical, but in half the packets the photograph was of an African American man and in the other half of a White man. Students were asked to provide ratings of suitability. Evaluation: The African American candidate received better ratings than the White candidate. There were no differences in the ratings by student curriculum receipt or race–ethnicity. Conclusion: We found no evidence that an African American candidate was discriminated against by medical students.