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Implicit self-esteem: nature, measurement, and a new way forward
Michael D Buhrmester1, Hart Blanton, William B Swann
1Department of Psychology. University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|November 3, 2010
Summary
This study questions the validity of common implicit self-esteem measures, the Implicit Association Test (IAT) and Name-Letter Test (NLT). Findings suggest these tests may measure implicit affect or egotism, not true self-esteem.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Personality Psychology
Background:
- Measuring global self-evaluations (self-esteem) presents significant challenges.
- Implicit self-esteem measures were developed to overcome these difficulties.
- The Implicit Association Test (IAT) and Name-Letter Test (NLT) are widely used for this purpose.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the construct validity of the Implicit Association Test (IAT) and Name-Letter Test (NLT).
- To determine if these measures accurately assess implicit self-esteem.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing research literature on the IAT and NLT.
- Analysis of studies examining the validity of these implicit measures.
Main Results:
- The research literature provides weak and inconsistent support for the construct validity of both the IAT and NLT as measures of self-esteem.
- Evidence suggests the IAT may better measure generalized implicit affect.
- Evidence suggests the NLT may better measure implicit egotism.
Conclusions:
- The IAT and NLT are considered impoverished measures of self-esteem.
- Researchers should consider alternative approaches to assess unspoken aspects of self-esteem.
- Future research should focus on developing methods to tap into these less accessible self-perceptions.
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