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

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.
Screen 1
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.
Screen 2
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.
https://implicit.harvard.edu
Screen 3
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.
Screen 4
ASU 101: The ASU Experience
Arizona State University
The following FAQ’s (from the https://implicit.harvard.edu 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).
Screen 5
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
Screen 5
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.
ASU 101: The ASU Experience
Page 2
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
Screen X
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), 136141.
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.
ASU 101: The ASU Experience
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