Explicit bias refers to the attitudes and beliefs that one consciously holds about a particular group of people. These biases are often openly expressed and can influence behavior and decision-making. For example, someone may openly state that they prefer to associate with individuals from a specific race or gender, reflecting their explicit bias. This type of bias is different from implicit bias, which operates unconsciously. Explicit biases can be measured through surveys and self-reports, allowing researchers to understand how these beliefs affect social interactions and institutional practices, such as in hiring processes or law enforcement involving race and gender.