Blog post #3

Title: Can We Really Measure Implicit Bias? Maybe Not

Source: The Chronicle Review by Tom Bartlett

Date: January 05, 2017

URL: Can We Really Measure Implicit Bias? Maybe Not (chronicle.com)

Summary: The article mainly focuses on questioning whether or not we can really measure our unconscious or implicit biases via the IAT (Implicit Association Test, developed and produced by Harvard in 1998). As well as mentioning the controversial arguments among scholars along with their claims, supporting research and evidence regarding the IAT. Arguing the connection between unconscious bias and biased behavior (prejudice and discrimination). Also arguing on the accuracy and solidity of the IAT, some argue that it is not suitable for predicting individual biases, requiring some more modification. However, The article mentions that the IAT contains some values, it has engaged millions of people in conversation about the science of bias and it is critical to be mindful of them if we want to avoid prejudice and discrimination. There are not any conclusions regarding the test for now. But to open conversation and to question more about the IAT furthermore.

Reaction: After taking some of the IAT, I was a bit surprised when I first knew the results that I hold some implicit biases. They are not consistent with my behavior, I always tend to be fair and hold no biases against anything. However, I do not judge them to be permanent, They tricked me to look deeper inside my mind and to be mindful not to be biased or to express external bias. Moreover, For me, The IAT is more like a tool to examine societal trends that show up in each of our own individual actions, Knowing and being mindful to prevent unpleasant actions or behaviors against some group of people.

Questions: I wonder if are there any updates in IAT? Are there any alternatives besides IAT? Is there anything to make the test more accurate?