Child Protection Investigation Specialist (CPIS) Practice Exam

What is implied by the term "implicit bias"?

1. Conscious decision-making

2. Unconscious influence on actions

3. Explicit reasoning

4. Overt stereotypes

The correct answer is: Unconscious influence on actions

The term "implicit bias" refers to the unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an involuntary manner. It suggests that individuals can hold biases without being aware of them, which can influence their behavior and judgments toward others. This contrasts with conscious decision-making, where a person is actively aware of their thoughts and these thoughts are more reflective. Understanding that implicit bias operates below the level of conscious awareness is crucial, especially in fields such as child protection, where biases can significantly impact decisions affecting vulnerable populations. It underscores the need for individuals to engage in self-reflection and training to identify and mitigate these biases in their professional practices. The concept helps highlight that biases can be present even in individuals who consciously believe in fairness and equality, illustrating the complexity of human behavior.