Assignment #4: Project Implicit

I know that I skipped Assignment #3, it is 1/2 done in my draft entries, so I am going to complete it later. This week's assignment sounded like fun, however, so I am going to do it first: "Go to the Project Implicit site and choose one of the demonstration tests there. Before beginning the test do a bit of writing about your opinion on the subject of the test you have chosen. Now take the test. What are your results? Is this what you expected? Why or why not? Do you have an urge to retake the test? What do you think that might mean?"

I chose to take the "Sexuality IAT" as this is a pressing issue in society. I am frustrated by those who choose to fear or hate something they do not know such as a person's sexuality. In generalizing that homosexuality is wrong or bad, people show their ignorance about homosexuality. In stating that it is incorrect by the bible, people are incorrect as the bible also describes how one man shall not judge another as God will be the judge. I believe that homosexuality is not a choice nor a lifestyle, but an inherent part of someone. Similar to my blonde hair, my attached earlobes, and whatever else is written in my DNA. Therefore, as this test claims to judge my subconscious, it will be interesting to see how it turns out.

After taking the test, my results are: "Your data suggest a strong automatic preference for Gay People compared to Straight People."

I am actually unsure what that means. I have a strong automatic preference for Gay People. I guess it must mean that I don't like Straight People as much. This result is what I expected, I do not have any adversity to Gay or Straight people, therefore the test results show this. My question becomes, how accurate is this test? I was interrupted while taking it, as I am currently in my office, and I did have to restart from an early point as I was called away. Did this effect my scores? I don't believe it did, as the test was different the second time. It seems to be a random grouping of the same words in order to keep you thinking subconsciously. However, how much of a role does your subconscious play when you are typing quickly? The rules were to push the left or right button as quickly as possible, so that is what I did. I have no idea whether I subconsciously thought about the picture of two brides together and considered at all before I clicked the button for "Gay." Or if I categorized good and bad with Gay and straight as they did in both orders.

I can say I do not have any urge to retake the test. This would mean that I am satisfied with my results. It is interesting, and I believe if my result would have been against gays, my conscience mind would have overridden and wanted to retake.