SIGNATURE WORK
CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 2024

This signature work project investigates the impact of intergroup contact on the attitudes of Chinese exchange students in the U.S., focusing on whether such contact can help reduce prejudice and bias towards outgroup members. Grounded in contact theory (Pettigrew, 1998), which argues that interactions between groups reduce prejudice under certain conditions, the research used quantitative methods to explore Duke Kunshan University Chinese students’ attitudes towards both ingroup and outgroup individuals. By using online surveys, the project examines variables such as social dominance orientation (SDO) (Ho et.al, 2015), intergroup anxiety (Nelson, 2008), and engagement in social activities with diverse groups to assess the breadth of interpersonal contact and its effects on reducing prejudice. Key findings indicate that intergroup activities, specifically team collaboration, significantly influence Chinese students’ attitudes, promoting more favorable feelings towards outgroup members, while controlling for factors such as gender differences. This supports contact theory’s premise that meaningful interactions can foster positive intergroup relations. However, the study also notes limitations, including a small sample size and reliance on self-report measures, suggesting areas for future research. Ethical considerations, including IRB approval and informed consent, suggest the commitment to participant rights and data confidentiality.