Discussion 6: Implicit Bias & the Implicit Association Test

This activity will give you a brief introduction to implicit bias and you will learn by doing.  Harvard University has a nation wide project on Implicit bias called Project Implicit. (read background on implicit bias below)

For this discussion you will take the Implicit Association Test (IAT) on Harvard University’s “Project Implicit” website.   You will be an anonymous participant meaning that you will NOT be required to identify yourself.  The IAT takes about 10 minutes to complete.   Complete the test and make sure you write down your results.  Then answer the questions below regarding your results and post them onto the discussion board.  Then respond to three other student’s responses for full points.

Questions:

1. What did the IAT test indicate was your preference?  i.e.  “Your data suggest a strong automatic preference for ________ Skinned People over ______Skinned People” Etc.
2. What did you expect your preference to be as opposed to what the IAT test indicated? How have your results influenced how you view your own biases?
3. How do you think the American Media (television, school books, movies, etc.), and other social institutions (family, school, etc.) have influenced your perceptions or biases of people with either dark or light colored skin?