LaPiere - Hospitality study

Question 1

How did LaPiere disagree with the common assumption that attitudes predict behaviour?

Answer 1

Using questionnaires rests on the assumption of a simple link between the symbolic (verbal) and non-symbolic (behavioural) response to an attitude object

Question 2

What were the restriction surrounding Chinese people In the US in the 30’s?

Answer 2

Immigration restricted, barred from landownership, Intermarriage forbidden, strong stereotypes against immigrants

Question 3

How did the study?

Answer 3

LaPiere sent a questionnaire to the 250 previously visited establishments 6 months - 128 responses
- “Will you accept members of the Chinese race as guests in your establishment?”

Question 4

What were the results of the study?

Answer 4

1/128 visited and 1/128 non-visited replied with yes

Question 5

What were the responses when LaPiere travelled with the Chinese couple?

Answer 5

• Only refused service once
• Received decent treatment 72/184 restaurant/cafes

Question 6

What debates are there over the methods?

Answer 6

• 6 month gap between observed actions and reported attitudes - attitudes may change over time
• Did attitudes and action come from the same person - behaviour = receptionist vs attitude = manager/owner
• Chinese couple didn’t conform to stereotype