Changes in intergroup stereotypes as a function of frame: Attitudes toward the Russians.
Item
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Title
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Changes in intergroup stereotypes as a function of frame: Attitudes toward the Russians.
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Identifier
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AAI9000733
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identifier
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9000733
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Creator
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Schoenberg, Erica Jan.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Sue Rosenberg Zalk
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Date
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1989
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Psychology, Social
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Abstract
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According to cognitive dissonance literature, attitudes are notably fixed. Frame studies, in contrast, have concluded that cognition is fluid and that opinions are markedly variable. Examination of the literature revealed that while dissonance studies commonly employ interventions which argue against subjects' held ideas, frame studies typically test the effects on opinions of different ways of framing problems. Attribution of the incompatible results to these differences in intervention strategies (termed here information-oriented and rule-oriented, respectively) is precluded, however, by further differences in research formats. While cognitive dissonance studies typically employ a pre-posttest design, frame studies use different groups of subjects across conditions.;In order to allow comparison of the relative efficacy of both information and rule-oriented interventions on attitude change, this study employed a uniform pre-posttest format. The opinions explored were ideas about the Russians. One scale examining attitudes and another examining perceptions of similarity constituted the dependent variables. Four vignette interventions constituted the independent variables. An information-oriented vignette argued against stereotyped ideas of the Russians as our enemies. There were two rule-oriented vignettes. One introduced a new Us - Them decision rule by juxtaposing the Russians to another, more extreme outgroup, "crazies," like Khomeini and Qadafi, portrayed as far more undesirable (More Extreme Outgroup intervention). The other rule-oriented intervention redrew group boundaries, switching Us - Them from Americans vs Russians to people of the world vs politicians and military (Politicians vs. People intervention). The fourth Vignette discussed the need for international studies programs in college and served as the control.;Comparison of pre and posttest scores revealed a significant change in the Politicians vs People condition for both attitudes (t = {dollar}-{dollar}2.95, df = 39, p {dollar}<{dollar}.005) and perceptions of similarity (t = {dollar}-{dollar}2.77, df = 39, p {dollar}<{dollar}.009) There were no significant differences in any of the other intervention conditions. Significant findings were discussed in terms of the complex semantic environment in which attitudes toward the Russians are constructed. Lack of other predicted findings was discussed in terms of possible methodological shortcomings as well as theoretical considerations. In addition, the validity of dichotomizing rule-oriented and information-oriented interventions was questioned and a more subtle, complex relationship hypothesized.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
