Implicit Association Test Essay Example
Week Two Checkpoint: Implicit Association Test
After taking part in the Implicit Association Test, where I chose to take the race test, my results suggest that I have a slight automatic preference for European Americans compared to African. Although it is difficult to admit, I would have to somewhat agree with these findings.
Upon first seeing the results, my immediate thoughts, were, “this can’t be right!” I thought that, “this test doesn’t take into account a person’s mindset at the time their taking it or how alert they are.” Once I sat back and really gave it some thought, I had to admit to myself that it was correct. I love my African-American people, but in certain situations, such as where I choose to live, I have been prone to being where it is predominantly European American.
Although it is an interesting test, being able to accurately gauge prejudice, in my opinion, is impossible mainly because ones feelings and beliefs can change so often. Also because of those, as described in our readings, that may take the test who can be labeled as the timid-bigot. Outwardly, they admit to loving every man, but inside, it the opposite. I believe, when confronted they would not be honest about their feelings for fear that the findings would somehow come back to hurt them. The Bogardus Social Distance Scale is another means by which sociologists gather information to calculate prejudice. In this test, people are asked how willing they would be to interact with various racial and ethnic groups in specified social situations (Schaefer, 2006). Again the findings of such a test would be thought provoking, but should not be taken as absolute.
Prejudice exists, and always will, but is beyond measure.
Reference
Schaefer, R. T. (2006). Racial and Ethnic Groups (10th ed.). :
After taking part in the Implicit Association Test, where I chose to take the race test, my results suggest that I have a slight automatic preference for European Americans compared to African. Although it is difficult to admit, I would have to somewhat agree with these findings.
Upon first seeing the results, my immediate thoughts, were, “this can’t be right!” I thought that, “this test doesn’t take into account a person’s mindset at the time their taking it or how alert they are.” Once I sat back and really gave it some thought, I had to admit to myself that it was correct. I love my African-American people, but in certain situations, such as where I choose to live, I have been prone to being where it is predominantly European American.
Although it is an interesting test, being able to accurately gauge prejudice, in my opinion, is impossible mainly because ones feelings and beliefs can change so often. Also because of those, as described in our readings, that may take the test who can be labeled as the timid-bigot. Outwardly, they admit to loving every man, but inside, it the opposite. I believe, when confronted they would not be honest about their feelings for fear that the findings would somehow come back to hurt them. The Bogardus Social Distance Scale is another means by which sociologists gather information to calculate prejudice. In this test, people are asked how willing they would be to interact with various racial and ethnic groups in specified social situations (Schaefer, 2006). Again the findings of such a test would be thought provoking, but should not be taken as absolute.
Prejudice exists, and always will, but is beyond measure.
Reference
Schaefer, R. T. (2006). Racial and Ethnic Groups (10th ed.). :