Research Guides: Tri-Agency Resources: Reducing Unconscious Bias

Reducing Unconscious Bias

Unconscious Bias Definition

An implicit attitude, stereotype, motivation or assumption that can occur without one’s knowledge, control or intention. Unconscious bias is a result of one’s life experiences and affects all types of people. Everyone carries implicit or unconscious biases. Examples of unconscious bias include gender bias, cultural bias, race/ethnicity bias, age bias, language bias and institutional bias. Decisions made based on unconscious bias can compound over time, to significantly impact the lives and opportunities of others affected by the decisions.

From: New Frontiers in Research Fund. (2020) Best practices in equity, diversity and inclusion in research practice and design. https://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/funding-financement/nfrf-fnfr/edi-eng.aspx#6.

CIHR: Unconscious Bias in Peer Review Learning Module
This module developed by the Tri-Agency can help train reviewers on how to reduce Unconscious Bias in Peer Review.
Canada Research Chairs Letters of Reference: Limiting Unconscious Bias
It is important to avoid unconscious bias within letters of recommendation as it can potentially have an unintended negative impact on the overall success/career of individuals—especially in the case of women. Research shows that social and environmental factors (including unconscious bias) contribute to the under-representation of women in science.
CIHR: Information for sponsors
Committee members consider sponsor assessments as part of their overall review and to corroborate their evaluation of the application. Sponsor assessments therefore play a critical role in the review process. Because the selection committees are generally multidisciplinary in nature, providing evidence and examples to support the assessment in comparison to normal expectations for trainees in the research area(s) is very useful.
Canada Research Chairs Guidelines for Assessing the Productivity of Nominees: Equity and Diversity within the Program’s Peer Review Process
Reviewers and committee members must reinforce standards of rigor, fairness, respect and equity, diversity and inclusion throughout the peer review process, when assessing nominations.
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships: Reducing unconscious bias in the review process
Everyone involved in the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program can take steps towards reducing unconscious bias in the selection/recruitment, endorsement, and review processes of a Banting application.
Chair for Women in Science and Engineering, BC & Yukon Region: Unconscious Bias
Infographic on Gender Bias in research.

Dimensions at TMU: Inclusive Excellence in SRC

Tri-Agency Resources

Reducing Unconscious Bias