ANSWER

Research Proposal: Investigating Race Bias in Education Using the Implicit Association Test (IAT)

Introduction

Race bias continues to be a pervasive issue within the education system, affecting students’ academic experiences and outcomes. To better understand and address this issue, this research proposal outlines a study that aims to investigate race bias in education using the Implicit Association Test (IAT) as a measure. The IAT is a widely recognized and validated psychological tool that can help uncover implicit biases that may not be readily apparent through self-report measures.

In this proposal, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the IAT, describe the specific procedure for conducting the race IAT on a computer screen, and discuss relevant research papers that have utilized the IAT in similar contexts.

The Implicit Association Test (IAT)

The Implicit Association Test (IAT) is a psychological measure designed to assess individuals’ implicit biases and attitudes towards various social constructs, including race. Developed by Greenwald and colleagues (1998), the IAT is based on the premise that individuals may hold implicit biases that are unconscious and automatic, which can influence their behavior and decision-making.

Procedure of the IAT

1. Introduction and Informed Consent: Participants are introduced to the study’s purpose and procedures. Informed consent is obtained, ensuring that participants understand the voluntary nature of their participation.
2. Demographic Information: Participants provide demographic information, including age, gender, and educational background, to understand potential demographic influences on their responses.
3. Instructions: Participants receive clear instructions about the IAT and its objectives. They are informed that the test will involve categorizing words and images into different categories as quickly and accurately as possible.
4. IAT Task Setup: The IAT task consists of two target categories (e.g., “Black” and “White”) and two attribute categories (e.g., “Good” and “Bad”). These categories are presented on a computer screen.
5. Trials: In a series of trials, participants are presented with stimuli (e.g., words and images) that belong to one of the target or attribute categories. For example, words associated with “Black” or “White” may be presented along with positive or negative words.
6. Task Variations: The IAT comprises several task variations. Participants may be required to categorize stimuli by pressing keys on the keyboard, which are associated with the target and attribute categories. The order of the target categories may vary between blocks to counterbalance potential biases.
7. Data Collection: Reaction times and accuracy in categorizing stimuli are recorded during the task. These data are used to assess the strength and direction of implicit associations between race and valence (e.g., positive or negative).
8. Debriefing: After completing the IAT, participants are provided with a debriefing session that explains the purpose of the test, its potential implications, and the importance of considering implicit biases.

Previous Research Utilizing IAT

To inform our study, we have reviewed relevant literature that has employed the IAT to investigate race bias in education. Two notable papers include:

1. “Racial Bias in Education: A Longitudinal Study of Implicit and Explicit Racial Bias in Preschool and Elementary School Teachers” (Goff et al., 2014): This study utilized the IAT to assess implicit racial bias among teachers and its potential impact on student outcomes. Their findings underscored the presence of implicit biases in education and their potential consequences.
2. “The Role of Implicit Racial Bias in the Disproportionate Suspension of American Indian Students” (Nelson et al., 2012): This research employed the IAT to examine implicit racial bias among educators and its correlation with the disproportionate suspension rates of American Indian students. The study highlighted the relevance of implicit biases in school discipline.

Conclusion

This research proposal outlines a comprehensive plan for investigating race bias in education using the Implicit Association Test (IAT) as a critical measure. By building upon the established methodology of the IAT and drawing insights from previous research, we aim to shed light on the implicit biases that may exist within the education system and their potential impact on students’ experiences and outcomes. The insights gained from this study can inform interventions and policies aimed at addressing and mitigating race bias in education.

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