UK Public Understanding of Unconscious Bias and Unconscious Bias Training

Abstract

This study examines the public understanding of unconscious bias and training methods addressing so as to determine the extent to which it aligns with scientific evidence on both. The findings from a pilot survey on a UK sample (N = 200). In the main, public opinion of unconscious bias and the training out of it shows aspects of misalignment with current psychological evidence. Also, the survey reveals that political affiliation and estimates of efficacy of unconscious bias training predict the favourability of opinions towards unconscious bias training. This work provides new insights into where efforts might need to be made to manage expectations in organisations in which unconscious bias training is implemented, and a greater need to communicate scientific insights that accurately convey the current limitations of the efficacy of unconscious bias training.