Implicit Attitude Test (IAT)

The Implicit Attitude Test (IAT) is a social psychology measure that is designed to detect the power of a person's automatic associations between mental representations of objects concepts in memory. Simply put, this test evaluates and exposes deeply ingrained attitudes and prejudices- those feelings and beliefs that a person holds without question.

For instance, some people in the world are brought up with deeply ingrained attitudes towards other peoples and cultures and these attitudes are not questioned or challenged. These types of beliefs become part of one's being and life perspective. However, since these types of beliefs can also become a source of conflict and even violence, it can become necessary to evaluate the type and depth of negative attitudes to help an individual become aware of these attitudes and their influence on their perception of others.

Also see Implicit Attitude.