IAT as a Research Tool
The IAT is a psychological test that measures implicit biases. It is a relatively new tool, but it has been shown to be a reliable and valid measure of implicit bias. The IAT has been used in a variety of research studies, and it has been shown to be associated with a variety of behaviors, including discrimination and prejudice.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the IAT
The IAT has a number of strengths as a research tool. It is a reliable and valid measure of implicit bias, and it can be used to measure implicit bias towards a variety of groups. The IAT is also relatively easy to administer, and it can be completed online.
However, the IAT also has some weaknesses. It is not a measure of explicit attitudes, and it is not always clear how implicit biases translate into behavior. Additionally, the IAT can be sensitive to the order in which the tasks are presented, and it can be affected by fatigue.
Personal Results from the IAT
I took the IAT for Race, and my results showed that I have a slight implicit bias against Black people. This was surprising to me, as I do not believe that I am racist. However, I think it is important to be aware of our implicit biases, even if we do not consciously hold them.
I think that implicit biases can be formed through a variety of factors, including the media, our parents, and our friends. I think that it is important to be aware of the ways in which our implicit biases can affect our behavior, and to try to be more mindful of our interactions with people from different backgrounds.
Scholarly Sources
- Greenwald, A. G., Poehlman, T. A., Uhlmann, E. L., & Banaji, M. R. (2009). Understanding and using the implicit association test: III. Meta-analysis of predictive validity. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 97(1), 17-41.
- Nosek, B. A., Greenwald, A. G., & Banaji, M. R. (2005). Understanding and using the implicit association test: I. An overview. In R. E. Petty & J. A. Krosnick (Eds.), Handbook of research methods in social psychology (pp. 265-292). New York: Sage.
- Rudman, L. A., & Ashmore, R. D. (2007). The nature of implicit prejudice: Implications for social perception, social interaction, and social change. In M. Zanna (Ed.), Advances in experimental social psychology (Vol. 39, pp. 311-370). San Diego, CA: Elsevier.