Psychology

This week, we are discussing the Implicit Association Test (IAT). First, please go to the IAT website
(https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html
and choose one of the tests you would like to take. We are not restricting which of the IAT topics you can choose, so pick one that you think will be interesting to you. Please take one of the tests*. The test is supposed to take approximately 10 minutes, so please plan accordingly. You should be able to take the test on your computer, tablet, or phone.

After you have completed one of the IAT tests, write a post about your experience taking the IAT. Some discussion topics you may want to write about include the following: Do you think the test is accurately measuring implicit bias? Were you surprised by your results? Did you think the methods were appropriate or effective? (Note: These are just suggestions for your post. You do not have to answer all of the suggested topics. You can if you want, though! Also, you do not have to disclose your results if you do not want to.)

ANSWER

Implicit Association Test

Taking the Implicit Association Test.

After interacting with the Implicit Association Test, I was slightly impressed with the results on race. First, it was my first experience with the test, and the results were just marvelous. According to my interaction with the test, I firmly believe it’s a measure of implicit bias among people in the community.  Our attitudes towards other people strongly determine our interactions, and thus, the test accurately measured how we think about them.

To be sincere, I was surprised by my results. Over a long, I have had enough understanding of the African Americans, but after taking the test, the results suggested a slight automatic preference for European Americans over African Americans. I could not think of this, but I am not surprised also to learn of my other side and perceptions.

The methods used were appropriate but not effective since I was not allowed a chance to explain how I feel about each race. However, the method used proved to capture appropriate data, which was used to determine my perception of the two races that were compared. I would suggest using a different mechanism to collect information from the community, which may also involve giving people a chance to effectively participate by giving their opinions on how they feel about the two races.

After the test, the results were excellent but, I will not entirely depend on the outcome since, to some extent, it relies on one side, that is, most of the items used were based on European Americans than African Americans. It was an excellent experience working with the Implicit Association Test. I will still review other options during my free time to see the outcome of the other tests.