Effects of Team Play on Racial Prejudice

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Abstract
Previous research has suggested that intrateam cooperation and interteam competition serve to increase attraction among teammates. This study employed a card-game paradigm in an attempt to investigate the efficacy of these factors in enhancing interracial acceptance. 64 volunteer subjects in a drug abuse program were randomized in a 3 (type of game) × 2 (level of competition) × 2 (race) design. Results suggested the importance of both cooperation and competition in increasing interracial acceptance. Anticipation of a highly competitive situation proved to be more important than the actual team-interaction process. Results suggested that the generalizability of the treatment effects may vary across the races as a function of the racial balance in the daily social milieu. Further research must assess the reliability and significance of this generalization.