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Post-class Online Module: Not me, I don’t think I have a bias towards people

Learning Outcome

Students will identify the concepts of “implicit associations,” “social stereotypes,” and “self-fulfilling prophecy.”

They will also identify the impact of these social cognitive processes on their personal interactions with others.

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I’m a good judge of others.

I’m fair and objective.

I don’t think I have any biases toward specific persons or particular groups.

Do most people think this way? Have you ever asked yourself about the extent to which you rely on shortcuts or general stereotypes when thinking about or interacting with others? Do you try to avoid relying on surface characteristics? If so, how successful are you?

On a daily basis, how often do you find yourself evaluating others on the basis of generalized expectations?

Let’s do a quick exercise to discover your patterns of thinking when it comes to members of different groups.

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Discover your biases

Click on the link below, select ‘demonstration,’ and take an Implicit Association Test. You will have numerous options; pick one or two and then come back to this page to continue exploring the concept of stereotypes and self-fulfilling prophecy.



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The results of the Implicit Association Test provide evidence for the fact that we associate certain groups with certain attributes or traits. That is, whether we are aware of it or not, we have come to create implicit associations between categories of individuals and positive or negative characteristics. Often the valence (positive/negative) of these characteristics is affected by social stereotypes—beliefs about other people based primarily on their group membership. These stereotypes are reinforced by information we hear (in the media or from people we know), and see (in movies) or read (magazines, newspapers). This information, even if it is limited in scope (and not based on significant personal experience) may affect our feelings and thoughts about members of the given categories. In short, we can come to adopt stereotyped beliefs, event when we don’t explicitly endorse those beliefs.

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The following FAQ’s (from the website) provide additional information about this phenomenon.

What are 'explicit' attitudes or beliefs? Explicit attitudes and beliefs are ones that are directly expressed or publicly stated. For example, the question asking for your liking for particular groups or science or self before you take the IAT is an example of your explicit or consciously accessible attitude. The standard procedure for obtaining such direct expressions is to ask people to report or describe them (a procedure known as 'self-report' when used in research). For example, if you've ever responded to opinion surveys, the responses you typically gave there would be considered explicit attitudes or beliefs.

What is an 'implicit' attitude? An attitude is a positive or negative evaluation of some object. An implicit attitude is an attitude that can rub off on associated objects. Example: The company for which your spouse works is attacked in a legal suit. An inclination to believe that the company is guiltless could be a reflection of your positive attitude toward your spouse -- your positive attitude toward the company provides an indirect (implicit) indicator of the positive attitude toward your spouse. (If you believe the company guilty, the marriage may be in difficulty!) The word 'implicit' is used because these powerful attitudes are sometimes hidden from public view, and even from conscious awareness.

What is an 'implicit' stereotype? A stereotype is a belief that members of a group generally possess some characteristic (for example, the belief that women are typically nurturing). An implicit stereotype is a stereotype that is powerful enough to operate without conscious control. Example: Try answering this question: Is John Walters the name of a famous person? If you suspect yes, and especially if you were more likely to think yes than if the question had been about Jane Walters, you might be indirectly expressing a stereotype that associates the category of male (more than that of female) with fame-deserving achievement. And this may be the case even if there is famous female with a similar sounding last name (e.g., Barbara Walters).

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Think about your own experience, beginning with the IAT

1. Did you show a preference for a particular group on the Implicit Association Test?

2. Did you expect to see this preference?

3. What did you learn about yourself from the results of your Implication Association Test?

Type a short reflection paper addressing these four questions (800 words max) in the field below. Click ‘submit’ when you are done. If you prefer, you may compose your reflection paper using word, and then cut and paste it into the field.

SUBMIT

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Things to consider…going beyond beliefs.

The implicit beliefs that exist in our minds have impact on our behaviors and interactions. This is why it’s important to understand the source and consequences of our beliefs.

How might the preferences demonstrated in the IAT affect your interactions with other people?

Type a short reflection (200 words max) in the field below to answer this question. Click ‘submit’ when you are done. If you prefer, you may compose your response using word, and then cut and paste it into the field.

SUBMIT

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Keep learning: Below are listed some recommended readings related to implicit associations.

Happy (accurate, non-biased) interactions!

Banaji, M. R., & Hardin, C. D. (1996). Automatic stereotyping. Psychological Science, 7(3), 136-141.

Banaji, M. R. (2001). Implicit attitudes can be measured. In H. L. Roediger, III, J. S. Nairne, I. Neath, & A. Surprenant (Eds.), The nature of remembering: Essays in honor of Robert G. Crowder (pp. 117-150). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Banaji, M. R., & Greenwald, A. G. (1994). Implicit stereotyping and prejudice. In M. P. Zanna & J. M. Olson (Eds.), The psychology of prejudice: The Ontario Symposium (Vol. 7, pp. 55-76). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

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