What is the term for attitudes or stereotypes that subconsciously affect our understanding and decisions?

The term that refers to attitudes or stereotypes that subconsciously influence our understanding and decisions is implicit bias. Implicit bias occurs without conscious awareness and can affect our perceptions, actions, and judgments in various situations, including law enforcement and interpersonal interactions.

Recognizing implicit bias is crucial, particularly in policing and community relations, as it can lead to unintentional discriminatory practices. Training and awareness initiatives often focus on identifying and mitigating implicit biases to foster fairer and more equitable decision-making processes.

Other terms like explicit bias, discrimination, and prejudice have distinct meanings. Explicit bias involves conscious attitudes or beliefs that can be openly expressed. Discrimination refers to the unfair treatment of individuals based on specific characteristics, while prejudice generally describes preconceived notions or feelings about a person or group, often rooted in stereotypes.