Misuse in Japan: What is the Unconscious Survey?

 Implicit bias (unconscious bias) cannot be measured through simple questionnaires or checklists. However, many books and websites feature checklists for unconscious bias in Japan. What these checklists measure are explicit biases.

Let’s look at some representative examples.

Below is an excerpt from ‘Your Team’s Struggles Are Due to Unconscious Bias’ by Tomotaka Moriya (published on November 1, 2017), specifically the ‘Unconscious Bias Checklist Hidden in Your Actions’.

This book was one of the earliest in Japan to explain unconscious bias (implicit bias) as ‘無意識の思い込み’. As will be explained later, using the term ‘無意識の思い込み’ is not appropriate.

In “Unconscious Bias Management” (May 22, 2019) by Tomotaka Moriya, a checklist titled “Let’s Question Our Unconscious Biases - 7 Bias to Check” is included as follows:

In “Diversity & Inclusion Management” by Masako Arakane (published on May 29, 2020), it states, “In your workplace, do you observe the following behaviors?”

One of the references in Arakane’s book is Moriya’s work, “Unconscious Bias Management.”

In 2021, the Gender Equality Bureau of the Cabinet Office conducted a study titled “FY2021 Research on Unconscious Bias Based on Gender.” The study involved participants responding to various measurement items (02.pdf). Arakane participated as a member of the research review committee and supervised the “Unconscious Bias - Checklist” (PowerPoint プレゼンテーション).

This is a case where a consultant made it possible to identify unconscious bias using a checklist. Another consultant, who referred to this checklist, supervised the Cabinet Office’s survey, leading to its misuse as a national policy.