Unconscious Bias
How do mental shortcuts work? In this podcast, Tu-Mai Pham-Huu (Head of International Communication) and Ines Köhler (Head of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Management) talk about unconscious bias - how unconscious shortcuts in thinking influence our decisions in everyday university and research life, from teaching to leadership to careers.
Diversity and different perspectives are building blocks of scientific excellence - at KIT, this is more than just a nice-to-have. Those who recognize blind spots make better decisions, promote talent more fairly and improve research, teaching and collaboration.
A total of four episodes shed light on different forms of bias - listen in!
Episode Guide
Episode 4: Unconscious Bias - Leading at KIT
How unconscious thought patterns influence decisions: In this episode, Tu-Mai and Ines take a close look at typical biases such as "Mini Me", gender bias and the anchor effect - as well as primacy and recency effects. They show how these biases shape selection processes, task allocation and meeting culture. With clear criteria, the dual control principle and conscious moderation, they provide practical suggestions for fairer decisions and more diversity in the team.
Episode 3: Name Bias
What does a name say - and what doesn't it say? Whether it's "Kevin", "Chantal" or an international name: names often trigger unconscious associations and can shape expectations before a word has even been spoken. In the third episode of the podcast "Unconscious Bias", Tu-Mai and Ines shed light on how this so-called name bias influences teaching and support situations.
In a clear and practical way, they show how preconceptions can affect support, speech and assessment - and, above all, what can help: conscious calling, balanced speaking parts, correct pronunciation and transparent criteria.
An episode that invites you to reflect more closely - for inclusive teaching and equal opportunities at KIT.
Episode 2: Unconscious Bias - The Halo Effect
A single characteristic often shapes the overall impression: attractiveness, a degree from an elite university or a visible disability - one detail quickly outshines the overall assessment. In the second episode of the podcast "Unconscious Bias", Tu-Mai and Ines clearly show how the so-called halo effect influences our judgments and unconsciously distorts decisions.
It's not just about the problem, but also about concrete solutions: How can structured procedures, blind or standardized reviews and obtaining second opinions help to make fairer decisions? And what does this mean in concrete terms for research and selection processes at KIT?
An episode for all those who want to take a closer look - and advocate for more fairness and better results.
📢Listen to the podcast on Spotify
🎧Listen to the podcast on YouTube
Episode 1: Unconscious Bias: What's behind it?
Think fast, decide wisely - but where do our filters blind us? In the first episode of the podcast "Unconscious Bias", Tu-Mai and Ines show how our brain takes shortcuts under time pressure, why this is practical and where it gets tricky (for example in personnel selection, teaching or teamwork). At KIT, this means recognizing blind spots in order to ensure quality, fairness and innovation.
📢Listen to the podcast on Spotify
🎧Listen to the podcast on YouTube