Week 6: Unconscious Bias

Question 1

Define stereotype

Answer 1

A stereotype is a fixed, over-generalised belief about a particular group or class of people

Question 2

What is an advantage of stereotypes?

Answer 2

It enables us to respond rapidly to situations because we may have had a similar experience before

Question 3

What is a disadvantage of stereotypes?

Answer 3

They make us ignore the differences between individuals, therefore we thinking things about people that might not be true

Question 4

What is cognitive bias?

Answer 4

A systematic error in thinking, affecting how we process information, perceive others and make decisions. It can lead to irrational thoughts and judgements

Question 5

What is a bias?

Answer 5

An inclination, prejudice, preference or tendency towards or against a person, group, idea or belief

Question 6

What is a conscious bias?

Answer 6

Aka an explicit bias, this type of bias you are aware of, it happens consciously, knowingly being bias and acting with intent, often aligning with beliefs and attitudes

Question 7

What is an unconscious bias?

Answer 7

Aka implicit bias, they are beliefs and attitudes that operate outside of a person’s awareness and control, they can be in direct contrast with beliefs and values you think you hold

Question 8

What factors can cause a cognitive bias?

Answer 8

• mental shortcuts
• flawed memory
• your brains attempt to simplify information
• social pressures
• ageing
• emotional input

Question 9

What are brain shortcuts?

Answer 9

Snap judgement decisions based on experience, background and culture

Question 10

What is affinity bias?

Answer 10

People gravitate to people like them and avoid people who are different to them

Question 11

What is the Halo Effect?

Answer 11

We develop an overall positive impression of someone because of on of their qualities or traits

Question 12

What is the horns effect?

Answer 12

We develop an overall impression of someone based on one trait or experience, we put too much weight on a single trait which can lead to inaccurate/unfair judgement

Question 13

What is anchoring bias?

Answer 13

A cognitive bias that causes us to rely too heavily on the first piece of information we receive in a decision-making process

Question 14

What does the Space2 model of mindful inclusion show?

Answer 14

Six proven strategies for managing unconscious bias

Question 15

What are the 6 strategies in the Space2 model?

Answer 15

• slowing down
• perspective talking
• asking yourself
• cultural intelligence
• exemplars
• expand

Question 16

What is meant by the strategy ‘slowing down’?

Answer 16

Being mindful and considered in your response to others

Question 17

What is meant by the strategy ‘perspective talking’?

Answer 17

Actively imagining the thoughts and feelings of others

Question 18

What is meant by the strategy ‘asking yourself’?

Answer 18

Active self-questioning to challenge your assumptions

Question 19

What is meant by the strategy ‘ cultural intelligence’?

Answer 19

Interpreting a persons behaviour through their cultural else rather than your own

Question 20

What is meant by the strategy ‘exemplars’?

Answer 20

Identifying counter-stereotypical individuals

Question 21

What is meant by the strategy ‘expand’?

Answer 21

The formation of diverse friendships

Question 22

What are examples of health inequalities?

Answer 22

• health status
• access to care
• quality and experience of care
• behavioural risks to health
• wider determinants of health