Unconscious bias refers to the automatic, implicit stereotypes or attitudes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions, often without our awareness. These biases are shaped by various factors, including personal experiences, cultural environment, and societal norms, and can perpetuate discrimination and inequality if not acknowledged and addressed.
Dual Process Theory posits that human cognition operates through two distinct systems: System 1, which is fast, automatic, and often unconscious, and System 2, which is slow, deliberate, and conscious. This framework helps explain why people can make quick, intuitive decisions as well as more reasoned, analytical ones, often depending on the context and cognitive load.
Stereotyping involves attributing generalized and often inaccurate characteristics to individuals based on their membership in a particular group, which can lead to prejudice and discrimination. These oversimplified beliefs can affect social perceptions and interactions, reinforcing societal inequalities and hindering personal and professional relationships.
Prejudice is an irrational and unjustified negative attitude or belief towards an individual or group based on perceived characteristics such as race, gender, or religion. It often leads to discrimination and social injustice, perpetuating stereotypes and systemic inequality in society.
Attitude development is the process through which individuals form and change their evaluations of people, objects, or ideas, influenced by personal experiences, social interactions, and cultural norms. This process is crucial as it affects behavior, decision-making, and social interactions, shaping how individuals perceive and respond to the world around them.
Attitude formation and change involve the process by which individuals develop and alter their evaluations of people, objects, or ideas, influenced by cognitive, affective, and behavioral components. These attitudes can be shaped and modified through various mechanisms such as persuasion, social influence, and cognitive dissonance, reflecting the dynamic nature of human beliefs and perceptions.
Nonconscious influences are subtle, underlying factors that affect our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors without our active awareness. These influences can shape decision-making, perception, and memory, significantly altering outcomes in ways we may not consciously recognize.