Media Influence on Stereotypical Views of People with Disabilities
Access Type
Open Access
Entry Number
115
Start Date
4-5-2017 8:30 AM
End Date
4-5-2017 8:45 AM
Department
Psychology
Abstract
Building on the research of Dr. Coleman and colleagues, this study examines the role media plays on the development of stereotypical views towards individuals with disabilities. This study seeks to determine if the type of media (positive or negative) and the type o disability (physical or intellectual) has an impact on how warm and competent an individual with a disability is perceived as well as how much social distance is desired from the person. Participants of this study were assigned one of three conditions; positive media, negative media or no media. The participants that were assigned the positive or negative media condition watched two videos; one depicting an individual with a physical disability and one depicting an individual with an intellectual disability. The results of this study are expected to show that individuals who viewed positive media portrayals of disabilities will elicit higher ratings of competence and lower ratings of social distance for individuals with intellectual disabilities more than individuals with physical disability. The implications of this study were to increase the awareness of how individuals with disabilities are treated in the society.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Ei Hlaing
Media Influence on Stereotypical Views of People with Disabilities
Building on the research of Dr. Coleman and colleagues, this study examines the role media plays on the development of stereotypical views towards individuals with disabilities. This study seeks to determine if the type of media (positive or negative) and the type o disability (physical or intellectual) has an impact on how warm and competent an individual with a disability is perceived as well as how much social distance is desired from the person. Participants of this study were assigned one of three conditions; positive media, negative media or no media. The participants that were assigned the positive or negative media condition watched two videos; one depicting an individual with a physical disability and one depicting an individual with an intellectual disability. The results of this study are expected to show that individuals who viewed positive media portrayals of disabilities will elicit higher ratings of competence and lower ratings of social distance for individuals with intellectual disabilities more than individuals with physical disability. The implications of this study were to increase the awareness of how individuals with disabilities are treated in the society.