Which term refers to unconscious attitudes that can impact behavior?

Implicit bias refers to the unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner. These biases can shape how individuals perceive and respond to others, often without their awareness. For example, someone may hold implicit biases about different social groups, which can influence their behavior and interactions, even if they consciously believe in equality and fairness.

Understanding implicit bias is crucial, especially when working with vulnerable populations, as these biases can lead to unintentional discrimination or inequitable treatment. Recognizing and addressing implicit biases is essential for promoting social justice and improving relationships within diverse communities.

Explicit bias, on the other hand, involves conscious beliefs and attitudes that individuals are aware of. Intentional discrimination refers to actions taken with the intention to harm or disadvantage individuals based on identifiable characteristics. Public stigma is the negative perception associated with certain groups, often based on stereotypes or societal attitudes. While these concepts are related, they do not specifically pertain to the unconscious nature of attitudes that the question focuses on.