Me, biased? 2018 Colorado CASA State Conference Adriana Medina-López-Portillo, Ph. D. Pangea Training Adriana@PangeaTraining.com October 20th, 2018

Pair Work Discuss with the person next to you the following definitions: Bias Stereotypes Unconscious (implicit) bias Conscious (explicit) bias

Working Definitions Bias: A preference or inclination, favorable or unfavorable, which inhibits impartial judgment (Koppelman & Goodheart)

Working Definitions Stereotype: A positive or negative trait or traits ascribed to a certain group and to most members of that group. (Koppelman & Goodheart)

Working Definitions Conscious (Explicit) Bias We are aware of the bias (self- awareness) May or may not be willing to change it Veiled to others

Working Definitions Unconscious (Implicit) Bias We are not aware of the bias (not self-aware) Not able to change it Veiled to ourselves (blind side)

Exercise: Stereotypes

The Neuroscience Perspective Cooperation evolved within groups, not between groups Differences as comfortable and familiar: connection and trust Difference as discomfort: avoidance and threat Brain wired to see “us vs. them” Inherent predisposition to see the world through a lens of inequity toward others We unconsciously send verbal and nonverbal messages that indicate ”us” (inclusion) or “them” (exclusion) “Them” bias associated with attitudes of “less than” The brain (unconsciously) processes social outgroups as something less than human

Microaffirmation Examples Smiling Keeping eye contact when someone is talking Asking for someone’s opinion Showing support Sharing information Acknowledging someone’s input

Microinequity Examples Rolling one’s eyes when someone is talking Ignoring someone’s idea Consistently forgetting someone’s name Not paying full attention to someone when they are speaking

The Neuroscience Perspective We have to learn to override what our base instincts may be telling us There is circuitry available to build an inclusive brain We can consciously pay attention to building connections and trust with others who don’t share our same culture, language, age, gender, race, values or life experiences

The People You Trust 25/04/18

The Impact of Unconscious Biases 25/04/18

Uncovering Our Biases 25/04/18

Strategies for Bias Reduction Build strong habits of appreciation Cultivate positive emotions Stereotype replacement Counter-stereotypic imaging Individuation Perspective taking Increasing opportunities for contact Catch yourself!

Questions/Comments?

For Consulting and Workshops Contact Me at Adriana@PangeaTraining.com (410) 979 2451

References Casey, Mary E. & Murphy Robinson, Shannon. ( 2017). The Neuroscience of Inclusion: New Skills for New Times. USA: Outskitrs Press.  Devine, Patricia G., Forscher, Patrick S., Austin , Anthony J. & Cox, William T. L. J Exp Soc Psychol . 2012 November ; 48(6): 1267–1278. doi:10.1016/j.jesp.2012.06.003 Horton, Scott. Unconscious Bias Exercise. Retrieved on October 21, 2018: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_52T8ufdZM Kang, Jerry. Immaculate Perception. TEDxSanDiego 2013. Retrieved on October 22, 2018: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VGbwNI6Ssk.