Why Claims of Unconscious Racism Fall Flat Debunking the Implicit Association Test

Event
Event

December 14, 2017 Why Claims of Unconscious Racism Fall Flat Debunking the Implicit Association Test

Psychologists developed a test that purports to uncover unconscious racism. Supposedly tapping into the unconscious, the Implicit Association Test (IAT) measures disparities in millisecond response times on a computer.

Thursday, Dec 14, 2017

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

The Heritage Foundation

214 Massachusetts Ave NE
Washington, DC
20002

Description

Psychologists developed a test that purports to uncover unconscious racism. Supposedly tapping into the subconscious, the Implicit Association Test (IAT) measures disparities in millisecond response times on a computer. While it has been hailed as “proof” of deeply seeded racism in American society, policymakers should consider the growing body of research suggesting the test cannot predict real-world behavior before enacting policies to counterbalance so-called unconscious bias. Academia, police departments, and corporate America are seeking to root out unconscious racism, and the IAT has started popping up in employment discrimination lawsuits. Join us for a discussion with three distinguished scholars looking at problems with the IAT and why policymakers and employers should think twice before embracing these dubious claims of racism.