Calvin Lai studies hidden racial biases: subtle, automatic, or unconscious mental processes that explain the gap what people value (e.g., racial equality) and what people do (e.g., racial discrimination). This research is particularly concerned with developing interventions to mitigate the effects of hidden racial biases. His research has included studies on the reduction of implicit racial bias, policy changes to prevent hiring discrimination, diversity training, and reforms to reduce racial inequities in policing.