Behavior of Biased and Non-Biased Whites towards Blacks in a Simulated Interaction

Abstract

This experiment was carried out to determine differences between biased and non-biased whites in their behavior towards blacks in a simulated interaction situation. Behaviors involving various levels of interaction, i.e., description, choice of a hypothetical interaction partner and actual verbal exchanges, were examined. The biased and non-biased whites differed and these differences became more apparent as actual interaction was more closely approximated. Although no openly anti-black remarks occurred, biased whites talked less to blacks than to whites, expressed more negative affect as reflected in non-immediacy of their remarks to blacks, and chose black partners less often. Biased whites described blacks as favorably as did non-biased whites. Possible explanations were discussed.