Chris is very concerned because her Implicit Association Test (IAT) results show that she responded more slowly when fat faces were paired with positive words. She's concerned that this represents that she is implicitly biased against fat people. What might some psychological scientists tell her to make her feel better?
A) The IAT may reveal cultural stereotypes and not personal stereotypes.
B) The IAT predicts behavior in most people, so she should be worried about how she will now interact with an overweight friend.
C) These IAT results also predict she has negative implicit attitudes toward the elderly.
D) A self-fulfilling prophecy is created now that she knows her IAT results.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Psychological scientists may explain to Chris that the IAT results may reflect cultural stereotypes rather than personal biases. This means that her response may be influenced by the messages she receives from society about weight and appearance, rather than her own personal beliefs and attitudes. This information may help her feel better about her IAT results and encourage her to challenge cultural stereotypes instead of feeling guilty or ashamed about her implicit biases.

Chris Is Very Concerned Because Her Implicit Association Test (IAT)