Which term refers to unconscious beliefs about groups of people?

• A. Explicit bias
• B. Implicit bias
• C. Discrimination
• D. Prejudice

Answer: (B)

Implicit bias refers to attitudes or stereotypes about groups of people that exist outside of conscious awareness. These automatic beliefs can shape how you perceive, interpret, and respond to others without you realizing it, even if you consciously endorse equality. That’s why it’s the best fit for the described idea.

Explicit bias is the conscious beliefs you know you hold, which is why it doesn’t match “unconscious beliefs.” Prejudice is a broader term for preconceived judgments or attitudes toward a group and can be conscious or unconscious, but the specific idea of beliefs you’re not aware of points to implicit bias. Discrimination describes the actions or behaviors that result from biases, not the unconscious beliefs themselves.