Implicit Stereotypes

The IAT primarily relates to Chapter 13 of the textbook because it tests attitudes and stereotypes that people have. The textbook describes stereotyping as the process by which people make inferences about others based on the knowledge that they have of the categories that others belong in. The IAT takes the lesson from the textbook a step further by looking specifically at implicit stereotypes and differentiating them from explicit stereotypes. For example, common stereotypes that people may or may not be aware they have, such as stereotypes having to do with race and gender, are listed in the textbook. Correspondingly, there are IATs that test implicit attitudes toward both of these characteristics of people. Furthermore, though the textbook mentions the limitations of using stereotypes (inaccurate categorization, overuse, and

self-perpetuation), it nonetheless describes stereotypes as important because they are a useful and efficient way to categorize our social surroundings. The IAT takes this same knowledge and examines the more negative side of stereotypes by exploring negative associations people may have with a certain minority group of people.
a. I took two IATs, race and weight, which are two common stereotypes addressed in the textbook. My results for one of them did not surprise me at all, which my results for the other did surprise me. Going along with this, the test shows you how your results compare to the results of others who have taken the same test. Though I was not surprised at the results of others, I was surprised at how I tested compared to them. For example, in the test that I took that gave me surprising results, the results of people in general was very expected. Therefore, I was surprised at how I compared to the entire test-taking population as a whole.
b. I definitely believe my results for one of the IATs. I am more skeptical of my second test
result because I thought my “preference” would go the other way.

However, after reading the background and explanation of the IAT, I understand that the test is made specifically to evaluate the implicit preferences a person may have. This means that the IAT seeks to reveal preferences that a person consciously does not have access to. This made both of the tests results more believable. If I don't consciously have access or knowledge of these implicit beliefs, I shouldn’t be surprised that I received unexpected test results.
c. My weight IAT results fits with my own experience in my head and probably in my behavior. I was not surprised by my weight IAT test results because, although it was revealed by the IAT that I have an implicit preference for a certain weight, I am consciously aware that I have an explicit preference. Because of this conscious awareness that I have, I am sure it reflects in both my behavior and in my thoughts. The results of the second IAT that I took, the race IAT, surprised me. Because of this, it did not fit with my own experience at all—neither in head nor behavior because I did not think I had a

bias.
d. If my results did not reflect assumptions or associations that I make about people, this could easily be explained by the nature of the test. The IAT is meant to measure implicit stereotypes. If people are surprised at the implicit preference result they get, it is simply because they are not conscious or in control of these biases. Taking this into consideration, the IAT may even give people results that are contradictory to what they think their beliefs are.
It is important to measure stereotypes by implicit attitudes rather than by explicit attitudes because people will almost never overtly convey their stereotypes since, overall, they have a general negative connotation associated with them. For example, very few people would admit they prefer white people over black people, but with the IAT these implicit stereotypes could be revealed. Therefore, even if a person does have explicit stereotypes, they will make an effort to conceal them, especially when being observed and measured. On the other hand, since implicit stereotypes are mostly out of conscious control, it is a valid measure of hidden stereotypes and may reduce the likelihood of demand characteristics.