A meta-analysis of interventions to modify stereotypes about African Americans

Since 1995, the Implicit Association Test (IAT) has been employed to reveal unconscious stereotyping. This meta-analysis examined studies that used the IAT in combination with treatments to eliminate automated stereotyping of African Americans and to determine which treatments were effective in corporate work settings. Of 134 studies identified only 43 specifically addressed Black-White stereotyping and only 6 studies met the minimum criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis (i.e., the use of the Black-White IAT and an intervention to reduce racial stereotyping.) Results reveal that interventions produced a moderate overall effect size of .48. The small number of studies prevents clear conclusions, yet it appears that existing African American stereotype-inhibiting interventions can reduce the effects of stereotypes by approximately 15 percent. None of the studies were conducted in work settings, but the most effective treatments, i.e., positive interethnic social contact and exposure to affirmative African American images, could be employed in work settings.