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

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

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

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

5. 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

6. 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)

7. Exercise: Stereotypes

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. 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

16. The People You Trust
25/04/18

17. The Impact of Unconscious Biases
25/04/18

18. Uncovering Our Biases
25/04/18

19. 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!

20. Questions/Comments?

21. For Consulting and Workshops Contact Me at
(410)

22. 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 November ; 48(6): 1267–1278. doi: /j.jesp
Horton, Scott. Unconscious Bias Exercise. Retrieved on October 21, 2018:
Kang, Jerry. Immaculate Perception. TEDxSanDiego Retrieved on October 22, :