An examination of the relationship between the level of contact with diverse populations and stereotyping.

Abstract

Research has consistently shown that increased contact with members of a diverse group tends to reduce stereotyping, However, stereotypes formed towards members of racial and ethnic groups have not been studied in adolescents or in terms of gender or racial differences. The current study investigated the relationship between the level of contact with diverse groups of individuals and how these factors affected stereotypes among adolescents, different races/ethnicity, and different genders. Four hundred fifty-one adolescents were given a demographic questionnaire, a level of contact questionnaire, a social distance scale, and an attitudinal measure (Taking America's Pulse Inventory). A simple factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant results based on the participants' level of contact and stereotypical attitudes, as measured by the Taking America's Pulse Inventory, (E(l ,392) = 16.66, Q = .000). A simple factorial ANOVA indicated significant results for level of contact and comfort level, measured by the Social Distance Scale, (E(l,441) = 30.64, Q = .000). However, results indicate no significant results between the level of contact with diverse groups and race/ethnicity. Results also indicate no significance for level of contact based on the gender of the participant. The current study supports previous research; greater exposure leads to less negative stereotyping. This study examined stereotyping at the developmental stage of adolescence and found similar results. There were several limitations to the current study. First, this study lacks generalizability because the sample is not representative of the population due to the fact that the participants came from an urban environment. Second, it is unclear if exposure to one group, which produces less negative stereotypes, generalizes to other groups. These possibilities could be of great interest to future researchers and warrant further investigation.