Which of the following is NOT typically listed as a contributor to bias?

Which of the following is NOT typically listed as a contributor to bias?

• A. Racism
• B. Xenophobia
• C. Sexism
• D. Empathy

Answer: (D)

Bias stems from negative attitudes and stereotypes tied to group membership. Racism, sexism, and xenophobia are common contributors because they assign devalued status or harmful traits to people based on race, gender, or nationality, which skews judgments and behavior. Empathy, by contrast, is the ability to understand and share others' feelings. This quality helps people recognize others’ humanity, challenge stereotypes, and treat individuals more fairly, effectively reducing bias. So empathy is not a contributor to bias; it acts as a counterforce that Mitigates bias rather than fuels it.

Bias stems from negative attitudes and stereotypes tied to group membership. Racism, sexism, and xenophobia are common contributors because they assign devalued status or harmful traits to people based on race, gender, or nationality, which skews judgments and behavior. Empathy, by contrast, is the ability to understand and share others' feelings. This quality helps people recognize others’ humanity, challenge stereotypes, and treat individuals more fairly, effectively reducing bias. So empathy is not a contributor to bias; it acts as a counterforce that Mitigates bias rather than fuels it.