Race and Ethnic Composition of Groups: Experimental Investigations Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • Purpose - This chapter considers whether and how race/ethnicity can be examined using experimental methods. Design/methodology/approach - We begin by discussing the highly contextual nature of race/ethnicity and reviewing the properties of experiments. After examining existing experimental literature that focuses on race/ethnicity, we turn to our current study that uses the incompatible complexity condition to examine the multilevel interactions of diverse racial/ethnic groups composed of Mexican American andWhite participants in Texas and Black and White participants in Ohio. Findings - We argue that experiments, when guided by formal theoretical approaches that allow for general inquiries of theoretical principles, are especially suitable for studying interactional characteristics such as race/ ethnicity. Originality/value - We suggest a particular approach that emphasizes interactional aspects of race/ethnicity and how these aspects can be utilized to diminish inequality in group processes.

published proceedings

  • Advances in Group Processes

author list (cited authors)

  • Goar, C., Sell, J., Manago, B., Melero, C., & Reidinger, B.

citation count

  • 7

complete list of authors

  • Goar, Carla||Sell, Jane||Manago, Bianca||Melero, Calixto||Reidinger, Bobbi

publication date

  • January 2013