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An attitude is an evaluative reaction (i.e., feelings), often based on belief and demonstrated through behavior. In this discussion, we will consider intergroup attitudes by examining stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination.

To inform your thinking on this topic, begin by reading “Toward a Relevant Psychology of Prejudice, Stereotyping, and Discrimination: Linking Science and Practice to Develop Interventions that Work in Community Settings” (Acevedo-Polakovich, Beck, Hawks, & Ogdie, 2016), “Intergroup Contact Theory” (Pettigrew, 1998), and “Summary and Conclusions” (Sherif, Harvey, Hood, Sherif, & White, 1988).

Then, select a group.  Possible dimensions from which you may select your group include, but are not limited to:  race, gender, social class, nationality, sexual identity, (dis)ability, rural versus urban status, religious belief, incarceration/criminal history, occupational status, victim, military status, and so on.  Provide a brief summary of the group and concrete examples to illustrate.  Summarize social psychological theory and research relevant to the experiences of members of this target group (e.g., What are the origins of prejudice toward this group? What are the influences on members of this group? etc.), and explain practical, original, and specific strategies for enhancing intergroup relations.

Your initial post should be 500-1000 words in length and must contain a minimum of three scholarly, peer-reviewed references, in addition to required course resources as applicable.  Additional credible references are encouraged.

ARTICLES

 Acevedo-Polakovich, I. D., Beck, K. L., Hawks, E., & Ogdie, S. E. (2016). Toward a relevant psychology of prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination: Linking science and practice to develop interventions that work in community settings. In A. N. Alvarez, C. T. H. Liang, & H. A. Neville (Eds.), The cost of racism for people of color: Contextualizing experiences of discrimination, 317-337. doi:10.1037/14852-015  

 Pettigrew, T. F. (1998). Intergroup contact theory. Annual Review of Psychology, 49, 65-85. doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.49.1.65 

 Sherif, M., Harvey, O. J., Hood, W. R., Sherif, C. W., & White, C. (1988). Summary and conclusions. The Robbers Cave Experiment: Intergroup Conflict and Cooperation, 199-214. doi:10.1007/s11206-004-0704-7