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
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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.