Mahzarin Banaji Stereotypes

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Our minds are characterized as very complex systems. Among some of the most interesting concepts that make up this system exist the duality of the conscious and unconscious mind. Author, Mahzarin Banaji, analyzes one of societies most commonly used forms of representations and focuses on the idea that their construction is completely unconscious. Through the characterization of stereotypes as implicit social representations, Banaji is able to propose the idea that that these representations are formed without our conscious consent and we are able to measure them through specific tests. In this paper I will analyze Banaji’s definition of stereotypes, what they are, and why they are considered implicit. I will then describe how you can you measure them through IAT tests and conclude with a proposed solution to overcome our unconscious thoughts. …show more content…
This simple test takes two opposing ideas and measures which side the person is more likely to prefer. For example, the measure of whether someone prefers older or younger people. Those performing the test must follow simple instructions such as placing your left index finger on the “E” keyboard while placing the right index finger on the “I” keyboard. The screen will then explain the instructions which consist of identifying pictures into certain categories. If you believe the picture to represent an old person you would select the keyboard that is labeled for old likewise if the person was young you would then select the young keyboard. After a few pictures have been shown the order of old and young will switch (left or right, E or I) and after that, the test will incorporate another set of describing factors (good or bad) and switch them from left to right while maintaining the same pictures. The test ends with a few personal questions and finally gives the results of whether you prefer old or young
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