Jyoti Mishra

The Growing Role of AI in neurotechnology and the ethical questions raised with this new change.

Started July 11, 2023

Abstract or project description

This paper highlights how neuroscience tools for physiological data collection, such as electroencephalography and functional near-infrared spectroscopy, introduce racial bias into studies by excluding individuals on the basis of phenotypic differences in hair type and skin pigmentation. This research attempts to situate these issues within structural injustice, urge researchers to challenge racism in their scientific work and propose procedures and changes that may lead to more equitable science. The paper outlines three eras in the history of the use of psychology and neuroscience tools and how understanding of phenotype and race has informed how bias has seeped into practices, especially regarding the adoption of technology. It emphasizes the need to assess research methods and conduct research that directly asks: whose data are deemed ‘unusable’? The paper concludes by urging researchers to be particularly sensitive to how their questions, hypotheses, and research methods may introduce partiality with the exclusion or lack of focus on certain groups, because neurological and psychological health is on the line.