Effects of Personality and Implicit Attitudes on the Perception of Hispanics

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Authors
Milks, Jennifer V.
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2008-05-03
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Abstract

This two-part study is an exploration of the sources of prejudiced attitudes towards Hispanics as a means of understanding the personal and societal factors that influence negative perceptions of this growing sector of the population. The first component of the study examines whether a Five Factor ("Big Five") personality trait, Openness to New Experience, is a predictor of prejudiced attitudes. Follow-up interviews were conducted in order to identify various sources, personal and societal, that may contribute to racially prejudiced attitudes and stereotypes of Hispanics. Ultimately, the findings of this study suggest that Openness is not a predictor of implicit prejudice. Furthermore, the interviews revealed four common themes that address several possible explanations for the continued existence of negative stereotypes of Hispanics.