Testing for Automatic Bias to Shoot People of Color.

Abstract

Previous research of the shooter bias effect has focused on Black versus White male targets, with participants mistakenly shooting unarmed Black targets more often than White targets. In the current study, it was hypothesized that if shooter bias is driven by threat perception, a pattern of bias should be present when using images of other ethnic minorities with negative cultural stereotypes. Data from 40 participants was collected using computer simulation methodology adapted from previous research in which participants made rapid repeated decisions to shoot or not shoot. Repeated measures ANOVA conducted on mean response times and error rates indicated participants significantly shot unarmed Black targets more quickly, more frequently, and at higher percentages compared to Hispanic/Latino and White targets. Signal detection analyses found that participants were significantly more accurate at discriminating firearms and non-firearms when primed with a Hispanic/Latino target than other ethnic targets. Participants adopted the expected generous criterion for Black targets and cautious criterion for White targets in decisions to shoot. Future research should investigate cultural factors and behavioral interventions to reduce shooter bias and racial bias.