African Americans’ Lay Theories About the Detection of Prejudice and Nonprejudice.

Two studies examine African Americans’ perceptions of prejudice and nonprejudice in Whites and their perceptions of Whites’ impression management behaviors related to prejudice. Responses to open-ended questions about what makes them think a person is and is not prejudiced and general advice for Whites were collected from a total of 236 African American university students. The most common behaviors listed that indicated prejudice included name calling and stereotyping. Indications of nonprejudice included positive behaviors (smiling, helping), equal treatment, and seeking out interaction with minorities. Respondents also advised Whites to be authentic. Results also indicated that common impression management behaviors by Whites may backfire. Results are discussed in terms previous research and the complicated nature of interracial interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]