Overview & Description:

Implicit attitudes refer to evaluations and beliefs that are automatic and unintentional, occurring without conscious awareness. These can be in contrast with explicit attitudes which are consciously held.

Example:

For instance, a person might consciously endorse equal treatment for all races (explicit attitude) but might unknowingly harbor biases against a particular race (implicit attitude), perhaps demonstrated through subtle differential treatment or reactions in specific situations.

Implications:

Understanding implicit attitudes is critical in addressing and mitigating unconscious biases that might permeate into actions and decisions, potentially in incongruence with explicit beliefs and values.

References:

• Greenwald, A. G., McGhee, D. E., & Schwartz, J. L. (1998). Measuring individual differences in implicit cognition: The implicit association test. Journal of personality and social psychology, 74(6), 1464.