The Neuroscience of Overcoming Implicit Bias:
Learn about the area of the brain that filters and categorizes information in ways that can lead to implicit bias. And how to mindfully work with our brain to overcome these implicit biases.
The brain has a gatekeeper known as the reticular activating system (RAS) that filters data to prevent us from becoming overwhelmed with stimuli.
Because it prioritizes information that aligns with our established beliefs, goals, or perceived threats, it creates a feedback look that leads to implicit bias if left unchecked - it subconsciously "seeks out" evidence that confirms existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory data. This process can result in skewed perceptions of reality that operate entirely below the level of conscious awareness.
In this CLE, you will learn how to become away of the shortcuts or stereotypes your brain is subconsciously using and learn to work with them to overcome the implicit unconscious biases that we all have.
What you will learn:
How to weaken biased neural pathways and strengthen new, inclusive associations through repetitive, intentional practice
To strengthen the prefrontal cortex or "executive" of the brain to override the emotional impulses of the amygdala during social interactions
Learn to mindfully recognize a biased response before it manifests in behavior
How to use visualization techniques to recalibrate the RSA to recognize a broader range of relevant and positive data points
Understand how the brain categorizes "in-groups" and "out-groups," and learn techniques to expand the neural definition of the "in-group" to include diverse populations
Understand how sleep deprivation and chronic stress impair the prefrontal cortex, making it biologically harder to inhibit implicit biases, and creating a stress-management plan for overcoming bias in these situations.
