Publication Date

2011

Document Type

Thesis

Committee Members

Gary Burns (Committee Member), Martin Gooden (Committee Member), Tamera Schneider (Advisor)

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

Researchers suggest that the Implicit Association Test (IAT) is structurally flawed, allowing contamination of responses that are influenced by stereotypical associations. This research investigated the use of a personalized IAT (PIAT) to reduce extrapersonal associations. The IAT and the PIAT were adapted to measure unconscious gender bias in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Explicit gender bias was measured by self-reports and a new measure, the Instant Uncontrollable Reactions (IUR) questionnaire. Partial support was found for the PIAT-explicit attitudes relationship reflecting less gender bias than the IAT-explicit attitudes relationship. It was expected that the PIAT-IUR relationship would show less gender bias than the IAT-IUR relationship, but this was not supported. However, the relationship between the IUR and explicit attitude and behaviors yielded many significant results. The present study adds support for the PIAT, introduces the use the IUR, and provides implications for reducing gender bias in the STEM workplace.

Page Count

57

Department or Program

Department of Psychology

Year Degree Awarded

2011

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