I have taken many Implicit Bias tests, so I knew what to expect going into the test. While taking the test, I kept repeating the prompts assigned to my left hand to get them right. I even gave myself a tempo to keep to stay on track. I got one wrong once the test switched the left and right-hand directions. I was slightly frustrated because I’d conditioned myself to the other set of instructions, so it didn’t seem the results would be true if the issue were conditioning.

I also had a reasonable expectation that I would not get the desired results, and I was right. I was not surprised simply because I’ve never gotten my desired results from an Implicit Bias test. Although I don’t think I have a stronger automatic preference for thin versus fat people, my test determined I do. I found the results interesting because I’m overweight, and I don’t believe I have a bias toward one over the other; however, I will keep these results in mind because I don’t want an unconscious bias to cause me to mistreat others, especially in counseling.

Again, it stood out that the test determined I prefer thin people over fat people. I’m inclined to disagree, but I understand these tests are designed to help people uncover biases they may not know they have. The most helpful response is to sit with these results and consider my thoughts when dealing with people and serving students. 

 

Having taken many of these tests before, it’s hard for me to get excited about them; however, I was very interested in the Skin Tone test. Before today, I had not taken this one. I took this test like many others: I repeated the prompts assigned to my left hand to get them right. It did not work this time. I believe I struggled because I was sleepy. I got a few of them wrong on this test, and the results showed that. 

According to my results, I have a slight automatic preference for light-skinned people over dark-skinned people. This one is, again, hard to believe. My entire family is dark-skinned, and it is celebrated in our circle. I wasn’t really picked on because of my complexion, so my skin tone isn’t something I’ve worried about in childhood or adulthood. Although I’m not confident in these results, I want to keep them in mind to ensure I’m not unintentionally treating people a certain way because of their skin tones.

Again, it was interesting that the test determined I have a preference for light-skinned people because my family is dark-skinned…and the man I chose to marry is also dark-skinned. As with the weight implicit bias test, I’m inclined to disagree, but I am more determined to keep an open mind to learn, grow, and change where necessary.