Exploring implicit biases through the zombie apocalypse: Understanding the importance of perspective taking and empathy on relationships

Abstract

In this activity, students individually rank 12 fictional individuals based on a description of them and their likeliness to survive the zombie apocalypse. There is no right answer, and as such, students will rank the fictional characters differently. Students must come together and determine the top six characters and provide rationales for their decision. This activity creates a space for students to talk about perspective taking as a building block for empathy. Courses Interpersonal Communication, Relational Communication. Objectives Explore the role of perspective taking and empathy on biases. Encourage students to think critically about the influence of implicit biases on relationships. Challenge students to confront their own biases and to reflect on the effect their biases can have on their relationships.