Types of Bias
This type of bias assumes all people of a certain group have the same characteristics.
What is stereotyping?
Referring to "the best man for the job" demonstrates this type of bias.
What is gender bias?
Instead of "mankind," use this gender-neutral term.
What is "humankind" or "humanity"?
During a meeting, a colleague repeatedly refers to the administrative staff as "the girls." How would you address this?
What is explaining that "women" or "staff" are more respectful terms?
This common interview question about a candidate's ability to work with a diverse team can lead to biased assumptions.
What is "How would you handle working with someone from a different background?"
Language that excludes or diminishes one gender is an example of this bias.
What is gender bias?
This common phrase for a brainstorming session contains ableist language.
What is brainstorm? (Better alternative: Use idea generation)
Instead of "foreman," use this gender-neutral term.
What is "supervisor" or "team lead"?
Your company's marketing team has created an ad campaign featuring only young, able-bodied models from a single ethnic background. How would you approach this issue?
What is collaborating with the marketing team to revise the campaign to include diverse representation across age, ability, and ethnicity, while also recommending diversity training and the development of inclusive marketing guidelines?
This common interview question can lead to age discrimination.
What is "What year did you graduate?"
This type of bias involves the unfair treatment of individuals or groups due to their race, ethnicity, or national origin.
What is racial bias?
Using the term "senior moment" to describe forgetting something can be an example of this bias.
What is age bias?
Instead of using the phrase "blacklist" or "whitelist," use these more inclusive terms.
What are "blocklist" and "allowlist"? ("deny list" and "permit list" also work)
During a team meeting, a colleague consistently interrupts and talks over female team members, but not male team members. As the team leader, how would you address this situation?
What is privately discussing the behavior with the colleague, explaining its impact, and setting clear expectations for respectful communication? Additionally, actively moderate future meetings to ensure equal speaking opportunities.
Assuming that a person's accent or fluency in English indicates their competence or intelligence is an example of this type of bias.
What is linguistic or accent bias?
Holding negative attitudes or beliefs about a person or group based on their disability is an example of this type of bias.
What is ableism?
A company's internal job posting states: "Ideal candidates will have a degree from a top-tier university. Ivy League graduates preferred."
What is educational bias?
Use this term instead of "handicapped" when referring to accessible parking or facilities.
What is "accessible" or "disability-friendly"?
You notice that job postings in your company use language like "digital native" or "tech-savvy." How would you address this?
What is identifying and removing age-biased language that may discourage older applicants?
A tech company's AI-powered resume screening tool consistently ranks male candidates higher than equally qualified female candidates for software engineering positions.
What is algorithmic bias or AI bias?
This type of bias involves making assumptions or judgments about a person based on their perceived membership in a particular social group, rather than on their individual merits.
What is group-based bias?
Labeling certain foods as "exotic" or "ethnic" can perpetuate this type of bias.
What is cultural bias?
Replace "tone-deaf" with this more inclusive phrase.
What is "insensitive"?
Your company is hosting a "Christmas party." How would you make the event more inclusive?
What is using a more inclusive term like "holiday party" to accommodate different religious and cultural backgrounds?
Basing hiring decisions on a candidate's "cultural fit" with the organization can result in this type of bias.
What is affinity bias or lack of diversity?