Final answer:
Implicit bias refers to unconscious stereotypes that influence behavior and decisions, reinforced by cultural prejudices and confirmation bias, which can lead to discriminatory practices such as racial inequality in educational tracking.
Step-by-step explanation:
Implicit bias refers to the stereotypes and attitudes that individuals hold beyond their conscious awareness. Unlike explicit attitudes, which are overt and can be controlled, implicit biases are unconscious and affect our understanding and actions without our direct knowledge. An example of this is seen in educational settings where certain racial groups may be unconsciously assumed to be less capable, leading to unequal opportunities in academic tracking.
These automatic associations are reinforced through a culture of prejudice, where stereotypes persist in society and are subtly woven into various cultural elements such as media and everyday conversation. The problem is compounded by confirmation bias, where individuals seek out or give more weight to information that confirms their existing beliefs and stereotypes. Awareness and conscious efforts to counter these biases are essential in breaking the cycle of prejudice and achieving a more equitable society.