Implicit stereotypes
Unconscious beliefs that tie a social group to certain traits and steer how we judge individuals from that group. They are a kind of implicit association and can clash with the fair-minded views we openly hold.
Researchers still debate how well implicit bias tests capture these stereotypes and how much they explain real-world behavior.
In everyday life
A hiring manager who sincerely supports equality still sees a resume as less technical when it carries a woman's name.
You firmly believe men and women make equally good leaders, yet when a news story mentions 'the CEO', a man instantly comes to mind.
Why your mind does this
We could never store the details of every person and event we meet, so the brain boils experience down into categories and rough summaries. These let us make fast guesses about new people and situations with little effort. Holding on to bad experiences, while letting old pain soften, also helped us learn from danger without being crushed by it.
Its family, in 30 seconds: Generalities
How to spot it
Notice when a picture of a 'typical' doctor, engineer or criminal pops into your head before you have any facts.
How to counter it
Hide names, photos and other group cues when reviewing applications or work, wherever you can.