Communication - Implicit Attitudes Project

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Implicit Attitude Test Project

Introduction

The implicit attitude project is aimed at measuring the strength of human mental associations and the representation of objects. it is purposed to assess, and test stereotypes held against certain groups in the society and the world at large. Besides. Measuring how the implicit attitudes affect my social interactions regarding communication behavior with members of different groups. This is vital as it affects how I interact as well as express myself to groups depending on the perceptions I have developed. 

1.1 Project Objectives

The project aims to:

· Depict who among different groups I have preferences for and the metrics for such inclinations. These groups include Race (black/white Americans), Sexuality (gay/straight Americans), and Arab-Muslims/Others.  

· Establish the best expressive definition of race amongst the many definitions

· Examine predictive attitude preferences before the test and how they affect my interactions.

· Undertake the Implicit Attitude Tests provided by Harvard University in a bid to establish my personal preferences.

· Compare and provide an analysis between my predicted preferences and the actual results obtained after taking the tests.

· Explain the difference between predicted against the actual results and to what extent can they be depictive of accurate representation.

· Discuss the effects of the established bias from my preferences to personal communication behavior with different groups. 

1.2 Project Methodology

The methodology of the Implicit Association Test project is outlined below:

Predicted test results definition: this is the first step in the project. I am tasking with developing the kind of results I would expect from the actual test results. It is a key procedure to ensure that expected results are well formulated consciously. This ensures that the preferences to groups are outlined to provide an understanding of the bias that I feel exists before taking the test. Expected results give a basis of comparison once I undertake the actual implicit attitude test.

Research: it is the second stage to whereby I partake to find literature materials that provide data and critical information about the core topic that is race and effects of bias to communications.

· Definition of Race: in this case, looking for the best suitable description of the race was a key part of the research. The definition I settle on should clearly and expressively define race.

· Effect of Attitude on communication: communication is critical on how we interact amongst people of different origins as well as backgrounds. In this, research is required to find out the effects of the attitude and bias we develop towards our communication behavior. This goes a long way to show how our attitudes influence our relations with people of varying groups in society.

· Take IAT tests: the step requires the actual Implicit Association actual tests provided by Harvard University. The implicit test is intended to measure a person's mental representations to depict the social aspect of their attitude. The tests to be taken to analyze our implicit attitude in three aspects; Arab-Muslims (Arab-Muslim and others), race (white and black American), and sexuality (straight and gay). The tests have different categorizations on the degree attitude one feels or thinks they prefer towards a particular aspect of a group. The varying degree of positive attitude ranges from neutral, slight, moderate, to strong preference as well as the same degrees for the negative attitude of preference to a group.

· Analysis of expected and actual test results:  this step indicates the finality of the Implicit Association Test project. Results are compared to find out whether there is a match or contrast is noted. The differences are noted and discussed on the influence they have on our attitudes.  The results of this stage depict how our communication behavior is a consequence of the bias and attitude we have developed towards certain groups of society.

1.3 Race Definition

Establishing an accurate definition of what race means is vital before undertaking the Implicit Association Test. The race has several definitions depending on the varying views. Race can be defined as a grouping that human beings develop based on unique physical and social characteristics that may lead them to form as a society as viewed by different other societies. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a race is a group of people who are perceived or have a similar physical feature or may be considered by others as people of the same type or overtime has belonged to a group. Also, the people may have shared a concurring origin, background, language as well as history leading to the current setting in the society. Societal rules have in the modern community been a key factor in influencing how people are affiliated or are put in groups that can be referred to as races. I settled on the definition outlined by the Cambridge Dictionary as it captures a wide grasp of literature regarding race definitions.

A group, especially of people, with similar physical characteristics, who are considered as belonging to the same type, or the fact of belonging to such a group.

The race of race is largely confused or mixed up with the race. For instance, race can be referred to as the genetic makeup differences while ethnicity is seen as the cultural difference. However, race can as well be used to refer to people of a culture. Therefore, an accurate definition of the race would be a group of people with similar interests, features, characteristics that give them a sense of belonging, for instance, a tribe, nation who have unified traits. Scientific evidence has not been considered in the categorizations that define races in the world today. Therefore, my understanding is social categorizations influence what lead to the different races currently in place more than the actual genetic and biological differences that people may have acquired naturally.

3. How Attitudes Affect Communication:

Communication is vital as it dictates how we express ourselves to other people. The bias or attitudes we develop based on race religion as well as sexuality greatly affect our communication behavior. Stereotypes go a long way in influencing key decisions that people make in their day to lives. For instance, a person may decide to withhold information to ensure people of a race suffer. In workplaces, a person with bias will tend to ignore or not communicate in the right manner to some colleagues while communicating effectively to others to whom they prefer to be of a superior race. Such discrepancies affect productivity as tasks that need to be completed by a team will face hindrances due to the communication glitch that occurs among employees with bias. Discrimination will be the order of the day thus inhibiting an all-inclusive culture amongst the employees. Therefore, in the modern world, people, as well as an organization, should endeavor to ensure that bias, implicit and explicit attitudes are discouraged to enable a unity to thrive amongst people of all groupings.

4. Implicit Attitudes Test

4.1 Expected IAT Results

· Race IAT: I predict that and expect my result to be inclined towards "slight preference towards the White Americans." I am aware that preference is generally viewed to be that of racism against the black. The results are guided by the fact that my background as a White American has led to opinions that are skewed in favor of white Americans. However, other than opinions my decisions now have all been made at no preference and would consider myself explicitly as a non-racist. I interact and cherish every human being and consider them as per their abilities rather than race or grouping.

· Sexuality IAT: I expect the result to be of the preference of straight Americans that is “moderate preference to straight Americans”. I believe that heterogeneity is the way human beings were created to romantically socialize. Therefore, my preference is of straight Americans. Nevertheless, when communicating I do not have communication behavior affected by someone’s sexual orientation if the topic of engagement remains as generic as possible. Communicating with gay people may not affect me, however, at different stages of interactions I may tend to have skewed opinions.

· Arab-Muslim IAT: I predict that my results for this test will not be skewed and will be of "no preference." In America, religion is a contagious topic and Arab-Muslim suffers discrimination the most. I subscribe to the Roman Catholic and have as well faced bias from people of other religions. I would never want any form of stereotyping based on Religion as people worship only one Supreme Being whom they believe in and no one can claim theirs is the true religion.

4.2 Actual IAT Results

Race IAT:  The test results show “a slight automatic preference for white Americans over black Americans.”

Sexuality IAT:  The test results show “a moderate automatic preference for straight Americans over gay Americans.”

Arab-Muslim IAT: the test results indicate “a moderate automatic preference of Other over Arab-Muslims.”

5. Effects on Communication

The implicit Association results provide a true reflection of our preference when in an unconscious state. The race IAT results were expected and provided a perfect match of my inclination when unconscious while it is worth noting that my preference is not linked to my actions or interactions with the black Americans. I am fair and neutral whenever having any conversation and in do not exhibit racist behavior. The reason for my White American preference is attributed to my background and upbringing. When growing up White children would tend to discriminate against the blacks to the extent of avoiding conversations with them a practice that pains me to date. Hence, I would discourage any parent from intending to cultivate hate against the blacks and vice versa as they raise their children.

According to Mendez, people should practice conscious consideration of how they interact and communicate with the people they must establish bias against (Mendez, para.2.). This ensures that the right decisions are made in whichever situation that arises thus avert any communication crisis, especially at the workplace. The implicit association aids people to realize the grouping they stereotype and hence inform them about their conduct in subsequent engagement. Therefore, we can exercise proactiveness in dealing with both biases to people we have no preference.

The sexuality IAT test result was expected and I have a strong depiction of my conduct when conversing with gay Americans. I strongly dislike homosexuality or the bisexual approach to human sexuality. This behavior can well be attached to my background. I believe that human beings should be attracted to the opposite sex. I find it uncomfortable discussing gay-related topics. Although I do not discriminate against them, I can easily make decisions against them as I need to be critically mindful to ensure fairness. However, I believe that every human being as a right to follow their will and they deserve a chance to express their perspectives in conversations. Hence, there is a need to develop the right frameworks that ensure continuity of conversations amongst people of skewed preference against gay people to ensure that they still get the services they require (Penner). This is because most of them find it difficult to explain themselves. For instance, stigma causes gay people to shy away from seeking medical attention, especially whenever faced with sexually related health matters. The need for a conscious person to provide them with the service will play a vital role for them to comprehensively and conclusively express their shortcomings.

I was surprised by the results obtained from the Arab-Muslim IAT. I had expected a no preference result however the actual reality presented that I have a moderate preference for Others. I find that implicit may only represent our natural setting preferences rather than real behavior. Although I do not prefer Arab-Muslims or Others, the implicit is inclined to others due to the religion I strongly follow. The test should be able to distinguish a liking for something not meant to indicate displeasure for another. For instance, a strong liking for coffee should not be interpreted to mean dislike for tea and vice versa. Besides, it is a good indicator that I should be obligated to ensure neutrality in all communication and discussions involving religions thus unbiased opinions.

During conflicts racial and religion, biased opinions and arguments have taken a center stage in America. Scholars have clearly shown that leaders play a critical role in influencing how people interact with one another given their different background settings. The effects of such discrimination go a long way in impacting how people share and converse. For instance, the Black Americans may end up not communicating with their White counterparts due to fear of victimization. In the twenty-first century, leaders, as well as every other citizen, should put in practice conscious behavior, conduct, and speech irrespective of their implicit association. 

In conclusion, the implicit test result may not necessarily reflect actual prejudice. Our behavior should be guided by humane conscious and explicit attitude-behavior that does not put down anyone. The preferences we have developed may be from childhood or background can be unlearned and new admirable traits imparted within our societal interactions. Implicit attitude, bias, or stereotypes should only portray our unconscious and we ought always to strive to act and communicate in impartiality despite the group.

   

 

Works Cited

Maina, Ivy W., et al. "A decade of studying implicit racial/ethnic bias in healthcare providers using the implicit association test." Social Science & Medicine 199 (2018): 219-229.

Mendez, Julia. “The Impact of Biases and How to Prevent Their Interference in the Workplace.” Insight, 27 April 2017, https://www.insightintodiversity.com/the-impact-of-biases-and-how-to-prevent-their-interference-in-the-workplace/#

Penner, Louis A., et al. "The effects of oncologist implicit racial bias in racially discordant oncology interactions." Journal of clinical oncology 34.24 (2016): 2874.

Race. “Definition of ‘Race’ - English Dictionary.” Cambridge Dictionary, dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/race  

           Appendix

Race IAT 

Sexuality IAT

Arab-Muslim IAT