Our Picks for May 1, 2019

Show Me the Data: Studies on Bias and Sexual Harassment

Does Bias Training Fix Bias?

According to a new study in PNAS, bias training has limited effects on bias. They found that bias training aimed at preventing gender and racial bias had positive effects on attitudes of both men and women. However, bias training did not seem to have large effects on behavior, especially in men. This data suggests that if we want to get rid of bias, we need to do more than just one-off bias trainings!

Sexual Harassment Drives Women out of Physics

A recent study showed that almost 3/4 of undergraduate physics majors experience sexual harassment. They further show that experiencing sexual harassment decreases the likelihood that women stay in physics, decreases the feeling of belonging and increases imposter syndrome. For a good summary of the study and its context, see this piece by Julie Libarkin.

Thoughts, Observations, and News on Women in Science

Erika Jefferson asks where the black women leaders are in science. In 2017, only 5% of managerial STEM jobs were held by black women--we need to do better! One way to improve these numbers is to train black women in STEM to be leaders. And Jefferson has started Black Women in Science and Engineering (BWISE), a mentoring organization to do just that -- check it out!

Christine Liu asks whether the focus on imposter syndrome as a problem that's all in our heads is keeping us from changing what really causes it: a toxic environment.

The National Academy of Sciences has a plan to remove members convicted of sexual harassment.