Rogers and Frantz (1961)

Aim

Attitudes of European settlers about Africans is inversely correlated to the time spent in the country

Sample (Strength)

Stratified sample of 500 White Europeans aged 20 and over, living in Rhodesia for fewer than 5 years to over 40. Also considered based on sex, country of birth, age, and length of residence. Representative of target population

Research Method

* Likert scale survey with sixty-six examples of laws and customs regarding segregation.


* RESPONSE CHOICES: 0 (very important to maintain the current system), 2 (weak importance), 4 (preference to discontinue the law), 6 (very important).
* Choice of 4 options makes gravitation toward the mean less likely.

Results

* Correlation between length of residence and "conservatism" was p < 0.001
* Average score: 2.45 (SD of 1.12)
* 348 participants ( 70 percent) fell below mean of 3.00

Conclusion

* New arrivals would eventually change their attitudes over time
* Residents for 5-9 years were 27% more determined about maintaining the segregation

Qualitative Research Method

Extent to which this study could be transferred to other situations; questions of generalizability to other contexts (external validity). However, other research has supported theories of discrimination against the out-group.

Research Design

C**ross-sectional**; the researchers cannot determine whether individuals’ attitudes changed over time.

Additionally, when people answer a survey, they may present a stronger opinion than they would in an authentic situation.

Internal Validity

* The scores could range from 0 - 6, and a standard deviation of 1.12 means there was a lot of variation.
* Other factors besides the length of residency contribute to developing attitudes; it is impossible to isolate these factors and determine how they interact.