Biased by our imaginings

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Cognitive Science
• Social Psychology

Background:

• Implicit biases significantly influence behavior and societal structures.
• Existing models, such as the doxastic model, face challenges in fully explaining implicit bias characteristics.
• The heterogeneity within the category of implicit bias requires a more comprehensive theoretical framework.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel model of implicit bias.
• To conceptualize implicit biases as unconscious imaginings.
• To demonstrate the advantages of this new model over existing ones.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical argumentation and conceptual analysis.
• Comparison of the proposed model with the doxastic model of implicit bias.
• Examination of the model's ability to account for the structural heterogeneity of implicit bias.

Main Results:

• Implicit biases are constituted by unconscious imaginings.
• The proposed model accommodates key features of implicit bias, such as its automaticity and resistance to direct control.
• This framework addresses limitations of the doxastic model and explains the diverse nature of implicit biases.

Conclusions:

• The unconscious imaginings model offers a robust explanation for implicit bias.
• This perspective provides a foundation for understanding accountability and developing effective intervention strategies for implicit bias.
• Further research should explore the empirical implications of unconscious imaginings in implicit bias.