Abstract

This study concerns the presence of prejudice among children, especially concerning ambiguous everyday situations. Racism can be a source of a variety of health issues, and everyday acts of prejudice can be even more harmful that overt acts of racism. Therefore, this study aims to identify racial preferences among children, in the form of everyday ambiguous situations by having them identify what is occurring in a picture involving ambiguous interactions between white and black children on a playground. Identifying racism early in life could help combat the cumulative stress effects that racism has on the individual. By reducing this stress, one can in turn decrease the frequency of mental and physical health issues amongst adults. By bringing to light the prejudices that may still exist in schools today, students, parents, and educators may be made more aware of their actions and in turn may take steps to decrease prejudicial acts.

Recommended Citation

Roesslein, Jessica R. (2011) "Perceived Racial Expectations of Children," Undergraduate Psychology Research Methods Journal: Vol. 1: Iss. 13, Article 8.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/psych_journals/vol1/iss13/8