Understanding Implicit Bias (UIB): Experimental Evaluation of an Online Bias Education Program

Can people learn about implicit bias through an online course? We developed a brief (similar to 30 min) online educational program called Understanding Implicit Bias (UIB) consisting of four modules: (a) what is implicit bias? (b) the Implicit Association Test, (c) implicit bias and behavior, and (d) what can you do? In Experiment 1, we randomly assigned 6,729 college students across three separate samples to complete dependent measures before (control group) or after (intervention group) the UIB program. In Experiment 2, we randomly assigned 389 college students to complete the UIB program (intervention group) or two TED talks (control group) before dependent measures. Compared to control groups, the intervention groups had significantly higher objective knowledge about bias (ds = 0.39, 1.49) and subjective knowledge about bias (ds = 1.43, 2.61), awareness of bias (ds = 0.10, 0.54), and behavioral intentions to reduce bias (ds = 0.19, 0.84). These differences were again observed at a 2-week follow-up. These results suggest that brief online education about bias can affect knowledge and awareness of bias, as well as intentions to change behavior. Public Significance Statement The Understanding Implicit Bias (UIB) program is a brief interactive online educational program to teach students about bias. Compared to control groups, the UIB program increases bias knowledge, awareness, and intentions to reduce bias in behavior.