ATTITUDES: Factors That May Reduce Prejudice - Research Studies

Question 1

Describe the Kerry Kawakimi study (2000)

Answer 1

Uni students completed a computer training session which taught them about age-related stereotypes
Shown pics of elderly people representing both stereotypical and non-stereotypical elderly people; had to record whether they thought they represented stereotypical elders or not and reaction time was recorded
Over time, students more accurately identified age-based stereotypes and responses were quicker
Concluded negative stereotypes had been broken down into new, positive ones, and that those educated would be less likely to negatively stereotype the elderly.

Question 2

Describe Patricia Devine research (1989) on breaking down prejudiced attitudes

Answer 2

1. Decide prejudiced attitudes and behaviours are wrong, and reject thinking
2. Stay true to non-prejudiced beliefs and make it a part of their self-concept
3. Consciously block prejudicial reactions and replace them with non-prejudicial ones

Question 3

Describe Robber’s Cave Experiment

Answer 3

Phase one: two groups driven separately to campsite; activities within groups caused cohesion
Phase two: groups discovered each other; pitted against each other during activities and viewed other group as outsiders
Phase three: groups forced to come together non-interactively, but nothing changed; in mutually interdependent activities such as repairing water supply system, paying for a movie and fixing a truck their feelings of hostility and negative attitudes were reduced