(a) In the Bertrand and Mullainathan study of name-based discrimination, job applicants with "Black-sounding" names were called for interviews significantly less than those with "White-sounding" names. Speculate on what might happen to a Black applicant who had a "White-sounding" name and was called for an interview. At what point(s) might prejudice eliminate the applicant from the selection process? What benefit(s) to such an applicant might accrue from being called for the interview? What are some specific things that organizations might do to reduce the likelihood of name-based discrimination in the selection process? How would they know if these steps were working?
(b) Do you know any Blacks with any of the "White-sounding" names used in the study or others more commonly associated with Whites? Do you know of any Whites with any of the "Black-sounding" names used in the study or others more commonly associated with Blacks? Discuss their interview and employment experiences with them.