Prejudice: Contact Hypothesis (Situational)

Question 1

Who proposed this theory as a solution to prejudice?

Answer 1

Allport (1954)

Question 2

What does this theory suggest brings about prejudice?

Answer 2

Unequal status and competition.

Question 3

What does this theory suggest is a solution to prejudice?

Answer 3

Increasing equal contact between members of different groups to improve social relations.

Question 4

List the 4 conditions that can reduce prejudice, according to this theory.

Answer 4

1) Equal status
2) Intergroup cooperation
3) Common goals
4) Support from social and institutional authorities

Question 5

Evaluate 2 strengths of this theory.

Answer 5

• Pettigrew and Tropp (2000) found that prejudice was reduced 94% of the time
• It is a positive theory

Question 6

Evaluate 3 weaknesses of this theory.

Answer 6

• Stephan (1986) rejects as he found that 46% of the time contact makes prejudice worse
• Correlational data only
• Unrealistic conditions to meet to reduce prejudice