Implicit bias is typically characterized by which statement?

• A. It is often unconscious
• B. It is always accurate
• C. It never affects decisions
• D. It is completely controllable

Answer: (A)

Implicit bias refers to attitudes or stereotypes that shape our judgments and actions without we realizing it. Because these biases operate below conscious awareness, people often cannot articulate or recognize them, making them unconscious in practice. This is what makes implicit bias distinct from deliberately held beliefs and is why it can influence choices and behavior even when someone intends to be fair. It’s not accurate to say it’s always correct—biases are automatic associations and can be wrong or outdated. And they can indeed affect decisions, even if we don’t consciously endorse them. While we can work to reduce their influence, they aren’t something we can fully control or eliminate on demand. The key takeaway is that the unconscious nature of implicit bias is the defining characteristic.