Implicit attitudes are deeply rooted, often unconscious beliefs or opinions that can influence our behaviour and decisions. They are formed over time through our experiences and are less direct and obvious than explicit attitudes, which we clearly express and of which we are aware.

The concept of implicit attitudes is particularly important in social psychology. It helps to understand how and why people act in a certain way, even if this contradicts their consciously expressed beliefs. A classic example is prejudice against certain social groups. Even if a person explicitly advocates equality and openness, unconscious biases can influence their behaviour in subtle ways.

An interesting aspect of implicit attitudes is their role in interpersonal perception and interaction. They can influence the way we judge other people, often without us even realising it. These unconscious judgements can surface in many situations, be it in work attitudes, at school or in everyday encounters.

A key instrument for researching implicit attitudes is the Implicit Association Test (IAT). This test measures the strength of associations between concepts (e.g. flowers and pleasant things) and judgements (how good or bad). Through reaction times to different combinations of these concepts, the IAT can provide clues to implicit attitudes that the person may not be aware of.

Implicit attitudes also play an important role in the discussion about social justice and equality. They show that discrimination and prejudice are not always obvious or intentional, but can often be rooted in deeper, unconscious beliefs.

The challenge is to become aware of these implicit attitudes and to question them. Through self-reflection and education, people can begin to recognise and change their implicit attitudes, which can lead to fairer and more conscious decisions.

In summary, implicit attitudes are a complex and far-reaching concept that offers a deep insight into human behaviour. They play a crucial role in how we perceive and interact with the world and challenge us to recognise and rethink our own unconscious beliefs and biases.