A Comparison of Elementary Student Attitudes of Select Racial,Religious and Ethnic Groups Over a Two Year Period

Abstract

A survey of fifth grade students’ attitudes was carried out in 1992. The survey was designed to measure stereotypic trait attributions and social distance toward 12 select groups. The survey was second part of a two year study with the some subjects. Findings indicated that social distance means of all target groups were reduced (positive indicators), but preferences for levels of associations with select groups remained generally consistent. In addition, the findings suggest that teacher constructed multicultural instruction integrated into the curriculum had little influence upon select stereotypic trait attribution. Positive, significant correlations were found between stereotypic trait attributions and social distance.

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