This document discusses the results of an Implicit Association Test (IAT) taken by the author. [1] The author's result showed a moderate preference for younger people, which met their expectations. [2] External factors like a busy classroom and friends watching may have affected the speed and accuracy of the test. [3] Theories from class like intuition and confirmation bias could explain aspects of the IAT process and results.

1. SukYoung Cho
Senior Seminar
September 27, 2011
3. Do you agree with the argument that we are completely oblivious to our unconsciously
motivated behavior (like the disturbing IAT results that show 80% of test-takers have pro-white
associations?) Is this just a convenient excuse to justify our biases?
Although I have an ambiguous opinion, I do not completely agree with the argument that we are
completely oblivious to our unconsciously motivated behaviors. This idea that we have no
control of our behaviors I just a convenient excuse to justify our biases. Just like the disturbing
IAT results that show 80% of test-takers to have pro-white associations.
2. After taking your IAT.
i. My result : A moderate preference for younger people.
ii. My expected result : I predicted myself to be in the average range; which
was having a moderate preference for younger people.
Write a 1 paragraph narrative response that answers the following:
iii. Did your result meet your expectations? Why or why not. What external factors
do you think affected your results?
The results did meet my expectations. This is because I personally thought that I
didn’t have an opinion in either extreme. I didn’t have a strong preference for
older people. I believe that the busy classroom environment and student looking
over my shoulder could have affected my results. Every time a friend would
watch me do the IAT, I would continuously make errors.
iv. Identify a theory from class (not just chapter 4) that is apparent in
your experience or in the IAT process.
Intuition – the speedy IAT process had test-takers answer the
questions without hesitation; producing a more credible data
source.
Confirmation Bias – We have a disturbing tendency to notice only
evidence that supports our beliefs. Before the IAT process, test-
takers might have had beliefs held; which could have greatly
affected the IAT results.