Appraisals, emotions, and expected utilities: How prejudice affects behavioral intentions towards blacks versus whites in a series of hypothetical situations

Rolden Steven Hillis, Purdue University

Abstract

The study used a quasi-experimental survey design to test Appraisal Theory and a simplified version of the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) in a series of hypothetical situations (involving either a black or white target). In 1997, at a major Midwestern university, 494 (nonblack) students were studied. Subjects read one (of 24 possible) vignettes designed to manipulate either perceived physical threat or normative violations. Subjects answered questions relating to the hypothetical situation (i.e. their appraisals, emotions, expected utilities, and behavioral intentions) and about themselves (i.e. racial attitudes, etc.). With one exception (intentions to reason), appraisal theory was supported. With some exceptions, expected utility theory performed relatively poorly. In general, race-related effects tended to be weak. Racial prejudice produced more negative reactions (especially towards blacks) in most conditions and influenced behavioral intentions (primarily) indirectly through the appraisals and emotions. Contrary to initial hypotheses, ambiguous situations did not produce strong (anti-black) race-related interaction effects. Indeed, in ambiguous norm-violation situations, more prejudiced subjects showed favoritism towards a black target.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Patchen, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Minority & ethnic groups|Sociology|Social psychology

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