Abstract
BackgroundImplicit biases are present in the general population and among professionals in various domains, where they can lead to discrimination. Many interventions are used to reduce implicit bias. However, uncertainties remain as to their effectiveness.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review by searching ERIC, PUBMED and PSYCHINFO for peer-reviewed studies conducted on adults between May 2005 and April 2015, testing interventions designed to reduce implicit bias, with results measured using the Implicit Association Test (IAT) or sufficiently similar methods.Results30 articles were identified as eligible. Some techniques, such as engaging with others’ perspective, appear unfruitful, at least in short term implicit bias reduction, while other techniques, such as exposure to counterstereotypical exemplars, are more promising. Robust data is lacking for many of these interventions.ConclusionsCaution is thus advised when it comes to programs aiming at reducing biases. This does not weaken the case for implementing widespread structural and institutional changes that are multiply justified.
Highlights
Implicit biases are present in the general population and among professionals in various domains, where they can lead to discrimination
We have included the 18 interventions designed by different authors as part of a competition, all described in a single article [18], as separate entries to aid comprehension of the table, making a total of 47 different interventions tested
We used as our starting point modified versions of the 6 categories that had been created by the authors of the competition article of 17 interventions [18] and added two new categories
Summary
Implicit biases are present in the general population and among professionals in various domains, where they can lead to discrimination. We stipulate that an implicit association (prejudice or stereotype) counts as implicit bias for our purposes only when it is likely to have a negative impact on an already disadvantaged group; e.g. if someone has an implicit stereotype associating young girls with dolls and caring behaviour, this would count as an implicit bias It does not fit the psychologists’ definition above because it is not a negative evaluation per se, but it is an association that creates a certain image of girls and femininity that can prevent them from excelling in areas that are traditionally considered ‘masculine’ such as mathematics [4], and in which they already suffer discrimination. This could disadvantage a group that already suffers discrimination and it qualifies as an implicit bias
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