Identifying Bias: A Cognitive Model

Social work students must develop a sophisticated ability to recognize bias in themselves and others to engage in culturally sensitive practice. Research was modeled on Latting\u27s (1990) teaching model. MSW students participated in a quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control groups design. Participants also evaluated the training. Students\u27 ability to identify bias was expected to increase following a training that explains the universality and functions of bias and provides a safe yet challenging context in which to critically examine bias. A large majority of respondents in the experimental group stated that their awareness of bias increased due to the training. However, quantitative results did not allow rejection of the null hypothesis. Quantitative and qualitative evaluations of the training indicate that it succeeded in creating the sense of safety essential to developing cognitive sophistication in looking at bias