The Multiple Disability Implicit Association Test

Abstract

The authors report the psychometric properties of the Multiple Disability Implicit Association Test (MDIAT) using the updated implementation procedure and scoring algorithm provided by Greenwald and colleagues. Undergraduate students ( N = 249) completed the four disability condition IATs composing the MDIAT in addition to several self-report scales assessing constructs of interest (e.g., explicit attitude toward persons with disabilities, socially desirable responding, cognitive ability). Consistent with previous research, MDIAT effect scores indicated implicit preference for persons without a disability relative to persons with a disability for four disability conditions and a composite score. MDIAT scores were not related to socially desirable responding or cognitive ability. However, “practice” effects previously found under the conventional scoring algorithm were replicated with the improved scoring algorithm. Finally, scores on the MDIAT were not related to an explicit measure of attitude, the Interaction with Disabled Persons Scale. Although the modifications and new scoring algorithm attenuated some problems found in the previous administrations of the MDIAT (e.g., confounds from socially desirable responding), the practice effect persisted. Until more is known about the underlying processes responsible for the decline in IAT effect scores across administrations, those using the MDIAT should interpret only the composite effect score.