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Although intuition certainly plays a role in decision-making, can a test actually tell us whether we are prejudiced? Is the number of milli-seconds it takes to select an association between two concepts enough to tell someone that he/she is biased? What are your thoughts as it pertains to these questions? Please explain. 1299-1500 words
No, a test cannot tell us definitively whether someone is prejudiced. The number of milliseconds it takes to select an association between two concepts is not enough data to discern whether or not the person has biases and prejudices. To understand someone’s underlying beliefs and thoughts that may be motivating their actions and decisions, more in-depth analysis must be done.
The idea that unconscious bias can play a role in decision-making processes has been explored by psychologists for decades. Unconscious bias, which refers to implicit attitudes and stereotypes that people hold without being aware of them, have been known to lead people towards making certain choices and decisions over others due to predetermined preferences rather than objective reasoning (1). This type of bias can occur outside of conscious awareness or control, leading people to unintentionally discriminate against those who do not align with their own values or norms (2). In order for these types of biases to be identified accurately, actual tests must be conducted on individuals so as evaluate how they respond based on different scenarios presented before them.
For example, the Implicit Association Test (IAT) was created by researchers Anthony G. Greenwald & Mahzarin Banaji in 1995 as a way measure automatic associations between two categories such as race or gender (3). The test works by presenting participants with a series of words and images associated with different groups; then measuring the time it takes them to associate positive and negative statements with each group (4). By doing this researchers are able to infer what type of attitudes and beliefs the participant holds towards these groups based on how quickly they respond when prompted with various questions related to both categories involved in the study. While this type of testing can provide important insights into an individual’s implicit biases which might otherwise remain unknown due its inaccessible nature – it still doesn’t give us definitive proof about one’s underlying levels prejudice though since results could just indicate an overall tendency among members belonging such category instead personal opinion from specific individual.(5)
In addition, another issue related specifically IAT testing accuracy lies within fact that there are many variables which can influence results aside from one’s own level prejudice.(6) Factors like cognitive load fatigue would influence response times despite background knowledge remaining constant throughout entire experiment resulting skewed data set at end day.(7) Moreover even if we were able draw conclusion about single person after taking IAT – this information would only offer surface level insight potential form discrimination since factors such as privilege powerplay huge role when comes evaluating someone’s behavior long run(8 ).Therefore while test certainly capable giving hints pertaining user’s possible hidden biases – It should never taken mean absolute truth but instead used aid accompanying techniques help gain deeper understanding patterns behind individual’s thinking process over course time.(9 )
Overall given limitations inherent tests attempting reveal unconscious biased behavior – We believe relying solely upon time responses given certain stimuli prove insufficient determining whether somebody truly prejudiced against particular group society . Instead using other supplementary methods such interviews surveys allow further explore reactions behaviors question subject matter greater depth thus providing clearer picture where person stands regard issues concerning equality justice world today.(10 ).Only through combining multiple sources data collecting input numerous sources will true understanding prejudice come fruition allowing proper steps combat inequality firmly put place prevent future occurrences same situation from happening again future generations .