Using Cartoons to Reflect on Bias in Science

One of my very first class sessions is dedicated to learning the basics of conducting research, with a heavy emphasis on the role bias plays. As part of this lecture, I have students read this and reflect. I like this because it illustrates the concept of bias in a very accessible way, and creates opportunities to feel it.

In addition, I also have students consider how their bias influences their trust in sources they may or may not use for class-related discussions and homework. While this assignment is perhaps a little less of a direct approach to exploring implicit and explicit bias, it is very applicable, and something that students can continue to use throughout the quarter.