OSH Security Practice Test

Which of the following is an example of a bias that a security guard may have?

1. People under the influence of illegal drugs may be dangerous.

2. People from their own background are friendlier than people from anywhere else.

3. Peace Officers are considered experts in the field of law and legal matters.

4. Fire Fighters are best suited to fight large fires

The correct answer is: People from their own background are friendlier than people from anywhere else.

The choice indicating that people from their own background are friendlier than those from anywhere else represents a bias because it reflects a subjective perception that enhances the in-group while potentially devaluing out-groups. This kind of bias can affect a security guard's interactions and judgments about individuals from different backgrounds, leading to favoritism or discrimination. Biases like this can influence decision-making and behavior in situations where neutrality and objectivity are essential for security personnel. The other options reflect perceptions or roles rather than biases. For example, the idea that people under the influence of illegal drugs may be dangerous is a general belief about behavior rather than a personal bias; it could be grounded in statistics or experiences rather than personal prejudice. Similarly, viewing peace officers as experts adheres to societal views of their training and status rather than a bias rooted in personal perception. The notion that firefighters are best suited to combat large fires speaks to a recognition of their training and experience, not a bias against others.