03/01/2022
By Rianna Grissom

The College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, invites you to attend a doctoral dissertation defense by Rianna Grissom on "Being Black and White: An Exploration of Biracial Stereotyping and Its Consequence."

Candidate Name: Rianna Grissom
Date: Monday, March 14, 2022
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Via Zoom. Please email Rianna_Grissom@student.uml.edu for information.

Dissertation Title: "Being Black and White: An Exploration of Biracial Stereotyping and Its Consequence"
Advisor: Jason Lawrence, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Committee Members:

  • Joseph Gonzales, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Miko Wilford, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Abstract:
Racial stereotyping influences many conscious and unconscious decisions that affect people’s everyday lives. However, studies on Biracial stereotypes are nearly nonexistent despite the population of people who identify as two or more races being one of the fastest growing demographics in the country. Across three online surveys the content, endorsement, and application of stereotypes about Black-White Biracial are examined. The goal of these studies was to better understand how Black-White Biracial people are situated in the American racial hierarchy in relation to their monoracial parent groups. Study 1 probed for traits that comprise Black-White Biracial stereotypes. Study 2 sought to build upon findings from Study 1 by investigating the extent to which participants endorsed stereotypes associated with Black, White, and Black-White Biracial people for each race and gender combination. Study 3 explored whether activating the Biracial beauty stereotype could have real implications for romantic decision-making. Collectively, findings from these studies demonstrate an especially positive outlook on race relations that may leave some cautious about its validity.