Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People

What is an IAT? How did author Anthony R. Greenwald create the first Race IAT? What did the test entail?

According to the authors, to what extent is the Race IAT correlated to racially discriminatory behavior? What are some of the studies that were done to demonstrate that the two are correlated? Do you think this is a strong correlation? Why or why not?

Define the “reflective” side of the mind and the “automatic” side of the mind. What are some of the main differences between them?

What are stereotypes? From where does the term originate? How do people use stereotypes? Are there benefits to stereotypes? If so, what are they?

What do the authors mean when they say stereotypes can be self-defeating? What are some examples of self-defeating behavior that stems from stereotypes?

Discuss the differences between an “in-group” and an “out-group.” How do in-groups carry hidden biases? Provide some examples from the text.

What do the authors conclude about the possibility of permanently eliminating hidden biases? Do they feel that mindbugs can be completely eradicated? What examples do they use to support their arguments? Do you agree with their conclusions?

According to Appendix 1, what are unobtrusive research methods? Why were they developed? How are they important to studies on attitudes toward race?