Belief Congruence and Prejudice Reduction in an Interracial Contact Setting

The effect of shared beliefs on the reduction of prejudicial attitudes in an interracial contact setting was investigated. Seventy-four white males from a small rural college participated in discussion groups, each including 3 black and 2 white male confederates instructed to agree or disagee with the subject. Overall prejudicial attitudes toward Blacks were assessed prior to, immediately following, and 6 weeks after the discussion sessions. Greater prejudice reduction and more positive interpersonal perceptions were expected when Blacks and Whites exchanged similar as opposed to dissimilar beliefs. Perceptions of fellow group members, obtained immediately following each session, varied predictably as a function of agreement and disagreement conditions. Overall prejudice reduction, however, was indicated across all interracial contact groups, suggesting that belief congruity was not necessary.