Dismantling the great wall of prejudice: A look at centrality and issue importance in the perpetuation of influence and prejudice reduction

Wittrock, Zachary, R. M.A., Purdue University, August 2014. Dismantling the Great Wall of Prejudice: A Look at Centrality and Issue Importance in the Perpetuation of Influence and Prejudice Reduction. Major Professor: Torsten Reimer This study sought to utilize social network analysis to better understand how prejudice reduction can be spread from one person to another via interpersonal influence. Different types of prejudice reducing interventions were combined into one intervention. The role of centrality in the spread and perpetuation of influence was examined by measuring prejudice reduction in socially connected individuals who did not undergo the direct intervention. To further understand the role of centrality in prejudice reduction, the concept of issue importance was included to understand the differential impact that centrality has on interpersonal influence. Study 1 examined the effectiveness of the intervention, while Study 2 examined how issue importance may complement centrality to further understand influence in the context of prejudice reduction.