Perhaps the very moment the professor heard the name “Jamal” or the instant he met the dark-skinned African-American male, he unconsciously made certain associations - “danger,” “trouble,” “less intelligent” - and these associations affected his rating of Jamal’s application.ĭespite his best intentions, the professor exhibited a form of implicit bias - also known as unconscious bias - called “implicit white race preference.” People with this bias unwittingly associate a white face with positive words or feelings and a black face with negative words or feelings - and they may act on those associations. It’s quite possible that an undetected influence soured this interview. Both felt it was a standard interview, but … something was missing. Then it was over, and they were shaking hands.

The usual small talk about sports, music, and hometown was omitted, and the conversation felt mechanical. Smith seemed to be cutting off Jamal’s answers, and making less eye contact than other interviewers. Things were going fine from the professor’s perspective, pretty typical.īut Jamal noted that Smith did not look comfortable. Good answer to what he’d do if he couldn’t be a doctor, check.

Good understanding of his research, check. The interviewer, Professor Smith, MD, (also not his real name) was a veteran of the admissions committee and prided himself on being a compassionate physician and educator.Īfter a cordial greeting, Smith began to ask the standard questions and evaluate Jamal’s answers. Jamal (not his real name) was nervous going into the medical school interview, but he had studied this school, reviewed his application, and aced several mock interviews. Editor’s note: The opinions expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the AAMC or its members.

The cheat sheet bias