Reducing implicit racial preferences: II. Intervention effectiveness across time

J Exp Psychol Gen. 2016 Aug;145(8):1001-16. doi: 10.1037/xge0000179. Epub 2016 Jun 16.

Abstract

Implicit preferences are malleable, but does that change last? We tested 9 interventions (8 real and 1 sham) to reduce implicit racial preferences over time. In 2 studies with a total of 6,321 participants, all 9 interventions immediately reduced implicit preferences. However, none were effective after a delay of several hours to several days. We also found that these interventions did not change explicit racial preferences and were not reliably moderated by motivations to respond without prejudice. Short-term malleability in implicit preferences does not necessarily lead to long-term change, raising new questions about the flexibility and stability of implicit preferences. (PsycINFO Database Record

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motivation*
  • Prejudice*
  • Racial Groups*
  • Stereotyping
  • Young Adult