Implicit bias describes a preference for a social category based on stereotypes developed early in life and that operate outside of awareness.

• A. Explicit bias
• B. Stereotypes
• C. Implicit bias
• D. Discrimination

Answer: (C)

Implicit bias refers to automatic attitudes or preferences toward social groups that come from stereotypes formed early in life and operate outside of our conscious awareness. These hidden attitudes can influence how we perceive people, make quick judgments, and guide actions without us realizing it, even when we genuinely want to be fair.

This concept is distinct from explicit bias, which is prejudice we consciously hold and express. It’s also different from discrimination, which is the behavior that results from biases—whether those biases are conscious or unconscious. Stereotypes are overgeneralized beliefs about a group; they can underpin both implicit and explicit biases, but by themselves they don’t define bias or behavior unless they shape judgments and actions.