Can someone have low explicit bias but high implicit bias?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only in some professions
• D. Not possible

Answer: (A)

Explicit attitudes are what we consciously endorse and report, while implicit attitudes are automatic associations that can operate without our awareness. It’s entirely possible for someone to genuinely believe in and report low bias, yet still carry strong implicit biases formed by culture, media, and early experiences. In a physical therapy setting, this means a clinician may intend to treat everyone with fairness and communicate openly, but automatic stereotypes could subtly influence first impressions, nonverbal behavior, or judgments about a patient’s pain or ability. Because explicit and implicit biases arise from different cognitive processes and are measured differently, one can be low and the other high. That’s why the best answer is Yes. The other options incorrectly suggest impossibility or that this only applies in certain professions.