Which term describes a preference for a social category based on stereotypes or attitudes that operate outside of our awareness?

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

Answer: (D)

Implicit bias describes a preference or negative reaction toward a social category that operates automatically and outside of our conscious awareness. It’s formed from cultural exposure, experiences, and messages we’ve absorbed, so you might not consciously endorse it, yet it can influence quick judgments and behavior before you think about it. This sets it apart from explicit bias, which are attitudes you are aware of and could report. Stereotypes are the beliefs that feed bias—cognitive generalizations about groups—while discrimination refers to the actions that result from bias. The option that best captures a preference toward a group that happens outside of conscious awareness is implicit bias, because it emphasizes the automatic, unacknowledged nature of the attitude.