The first IAT test I did was the preference for lighter or darker skin tones.

When I did it, I received the automatic moderate preference for lighter skin. I was like huh ? Alright? I took it again, and got no preference for darker skinned people. But again I thought how does that work.

I could’ve gotten up after this first one thinking (In fewer words essentially) that I was a racist, but had I only taken the test once and got the result that I had no automatic preference I could’ve walked away thinking I in no way had any biases.

I think I have a problem with these formats of tests in general. While taking the tests, there were many moments where I felt like I was taking too long or pressed the wrong button as I mixed up what side was what. (which might have been the intention of the test). Although I try to live by this rule of not shitting on an idea if I can’t think of a better alternative.

I think the tests do have some merit in the sense that they can (over time) tell us where our biases may show up. I feel like also knowing that it is a test that focuses on bias has an impact on my performance. It would be interesting to see a test like this framed in another way like “Pick the best candidate from these resumes” and do an analysis on who they choose.