LaPiere’s Study – Flashcards

To investigate the relationship between attitudes and behavior.

They were only refused at one of the establishments they visited, and were generally treated very politely. Of the 128 establishments which responded to the letter, 91% said they were not willing to accept Chinese guests.

LaPiere travelled round America with a Chinese couple, expecting to meet discrimination as a result of anti-Chinese feeling. At the time prejudice against Asians was widespread and there were no laws against racial discrimination. They visited 67 hotels and 184 restaurants. Six months later, after their return, all the establishments they had visited were sent a letter, asking whether they would accept Chinese guests.

Attitudes do not always predict behavior. Cognitive and affective components of attitudes are not necessarily expressed in behavior. The LaPiere's study shows that the cognitive and affective components of attitudes (e.g. disliking Chinese people) do not necessarily coincide with behavior (e.g. serving them).

The Chinese companions would experience considerable discrimination because of the widespread prejudice towards Asians in America at that time

Whether the couple accompanied were received face-to-face or whether it was through the responses in the letter

What response was given (face to face or written) that the owners of each of the establishments gave

-The letters may have been completed by different employees than the ones who attended to the group. -The responses may have been different if LaPiere Wasn't with them.