Implicit preferences and language performance: using a paper-and-pencil Implicit Association Test to predict English engagement and performance

The present study examined the validity of the paper-and-pencil Implicit Association Test (IAT), and whether implicit preferences for English, as assessed by the paper-and-pencil IAT, can predict engagement, which indicates the degree of involvement and performance in English. Participants included university students (N = 322) who responded to the paper-and-pencil IAT and a self-report questionnaire assessing explicit preference, that is, the degree to which they perceive that they like learning English. The results indicated a small but significant correlation between implicit and explicit preferences. Female participants showed a more positive implicit preference for English than male participants. Additionally, students majoring in foreign languages showed a more positive implicit preference for English than non-foreign language majors. These results demonstrate the validity of the paper-and-pencil IAT. They also show that implicit preferences influence actual English test performance and that this relationship is mediated by engagement.