Document Type
Student Research Paper
Date
Spring 2016
Academic Department
Psychology
Abstract
Prior research suggests that imagining a positive interaction with an out-group member improves implicit bias toward that group. However, phenomena like the mere exposure effect (MEE), which occurs when more frequently repeated stimuli are rated more positively, have shown similar changes in bias. In fact, mental imagery has been found to moderate the MEE. The current study hypothesized that a MEE of elderly faces would improve implicit bias toward the elderly population. To test, participants were administered an Age-IAT pre and post mere exposure. A MEE was not evident, but there was a significant reduction in implicit bias after the mere exposure. Limitations and implications of this study were discussed.
Recommended Citation
Burns, Tatem, "Reducing Prejudice: Imagery, Mere Exposure, or Something Else?" (2016). Psychology: Student Scholarship & Creative Works. 4.
https://jayscholar.etown.edu/psycstu/4
Notes
Senior Thesis.