Psychology

They [Color] Blinded Me with Science: Why Facing Racist Realities Requires Identity Conscious Research

Monday, February 26, 2018 - 12:30pm to 1:45pm

Location:
Oviatt Library | Ferman Presentation Room
Cost:
Free

Dr. Phia Salter

Conventional scientific wisdom suggests that the path to “truth” requires that we train ourselves to perceive reality from an identity-neutral perspective, free from the biases of our own identity positions. More often than not, the importance of identity consciousness is minimized in psychological research as it could get in the way of objectivity. In contrast, perspectives of critical race theory suggest that recognizing the operation of race in everyday life—including events that are not specifically “about race”—requires an identity-conscious lens.

In this talk, Dr. Salter, Associate Professor of Psychology and Africana Studies at Texas A&M University, shares data from two programs of research about racial realities in America that were conducted from the “perspective of the oppressed.” Specifically, she discusses her research on the role of Black history knowledge in perceptions of racism and why individualist narratives are directed at oppressed groups.


 Communication services (sign language interpreters, notetakers, real-time captionists or assistive listening devices) are available for this event. Requests for services must be submitted at least five (5) working days in advance. For more information, or to arrange for these services, please contact Dr. Que-Lam Huynh at or at 818-677-3560.