Fascinating research into memory in the late 20th century began to shed light on how our memories function, allowing us to realize that a large part of memory occurs at an unconscious level. This unconscious element of our memories, combined with the need for the brain to organize the vast number of experiences each of us has every day, leads to the formation of categories which in turn lead to stereotypes and implicit biases. The course is designed to help you understand how we can sometimes act in ways that are not in accord with our ideals.
Can implicit racial bias be changed?
Our answer is yes. A systematic, highly effective method for helping people to change their core beliefs about themselves already exists, and is put to work every day all around the world. This is the system of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, based on the Cognitive Model. You’ll learn more about the cognitive model early on in the course.
Based on a large body of social science research and our own testing of the material in this course, we believe that principles of change based on the Cognitive Model, which work so well for helping individuals change their beliefs about themselves, can be harnessed to help people transform their beliefs about others.
To learn more, sign up for Dialogs on Race.