A DISTANCE MEASURE OF RACIAL ATTITUDES IN PRIMARY GRADE CHILDREN: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY1

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study explored the use of a nonverbal distance measure to assess interpersonal racial attitudes among primary grade children in segregated and nonsegregated schools. Subjects pasted decals representing themselves on a series of pages, each of which contained a fixed figure. Figures included Negro and white teachers and peers, and a school. Subjects pasted the decals in whatever position and at whatever distance they chose from the target figure. White subjects placed the figures of themselves further from Negro than from white target figures, whereas Negro subjects placed them equally close to white and Negro target figures. Compared with segregated subjects, integrated subjects placed the figure representing themselves closer to target figures of the opposite race and closer to school.