Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do

by Jennifer L. Eberhardt

Before the papers were handed back, the researchers affixed a note purportedly from their teacher that said either “I’m giving you these comments because I have very high expectations and I know that you can reach them” or “I’m giving you these comments so that you’ll have feedback on your paper.” The students were then given a chance to revise and resubmit their essays. The results showed stark differences in student response. The black students’ motivation increased significantly when the critical feedback was accompanied by the teachers’ assurance that they could meet the higher standards. Four times as many black students from the “wise feedback” group opted to revise and resubmit, as compared with the group that did not get the reassuring comment. And their new drafts were substantially better and earned higher grades than those by the other black students.