Homosexual Representation Diversity in Media: The Role of Associative Interference in Diminishing Stereotypes and Improving Attitudes

This study examines whether consuming a diversity of positively-traited homosexual TV characters can help to diminish sexuality-related stereotypes and facilitate positive attitude change at both the explicit and implicit levels. Priming Effects Theory suggests that one's attention can be directed to recognize and focus on certain traits. To disperse traits of homosexuality, Associative Interference, which suggests an inverse relationship between the size and complexity of an associative network and the opportunity for a particular, stereotyped trait to be emphasized, is also examined. Results of the study suggest more positive attitudes for participants who received a diverse prime (N = 31) compared to those who didn't (N = 32) both at the explicit and implicit levels. Implications of such findings for diminishing stereotypes, facilitating positive attitude change, and effectiveness of implicit measures are discussed.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Journalism (Communication)

Grantor dc:publisher

Ohio University

Year dc:date

2012

Author dc:creator

• Liu, Xiyuan

Contributors dc:contributor

• Wagner, Carson

• Communication
• Stereotypes
• Homosexual Characters
• Attitude Change
• Associative Interference
• Priming Effect Theory
• Intergroup Contact Hypothesis

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1354656326

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:ohiou1354656326