Dialecticism, Collectivism, and Stereotype Change

This study explores the relationship between cultural variables, individualism, collectivism, and dialecticism, with the tendency to modify initial beliefs (i.e., stereotypes) after being presented with contradictory information. Using the Singelis et al. (1995) Individualism and Collectivism Scale and the Spencer-Rodgers et al. (2015) Dialectical Self Scale, as well as a Stereotyping Questionnaire adapted from the research of Spencer-Rodgers et al. (2007), this study explores this relationship in three different racial/ethnic cultures within the United States, as these populations theoretically differ on these cultural variables. It was hypothesized that participants identifying as Asian (a population theoretically relatively high on dialecticism and collectivism) will be more likely to adjust their initial beliefs about a novel social group than participants identifying as Latinx (theoretically high in collectivism, low in dialecticism) or White non-Latinx (theoretically low in both collectivism and dialecticism). I found support for the concept that cultural variables, independent of race or ethnicity, correlate with stereotype change, although I did not find support for the hypothesis that these cultural groups would differ in predictable ways according to the cultural constructs in question. This study attempts to address the lack of research about the influence of cultural variables on stereotyping processes, as well as compensate for the lack of cross-cultural studies which allow for the generalization of findings beyond Westernized, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic (W.E.I.R.D) settings.