Describe the so-called "scapegoat theory" of prejudice. What evidence is there for this theory? How else might this evidence be interpreted?
What will be an ideal response?
a . Possible Response Points:
i. According to the scapegoat theory of prejudice, prejudice stems from occasions in which people blame their problems and misfortunes on outgroups.
ii. One well-known study that is often used to support this theory is a study conducted by Hovland and Sears. These researchers, using archival data, found that—in the southern U.S., between 1882 and 1930—there was a statistically significant correlation between the market price of cotton and the frequency of interracial lynching incidents. While this research is consistent with scapegoat theory, it is also consistent with other theories (e.g., frustration-aggression theory, realistic conflict theory).
iii. Other research that is sometimes cited in support of this theory is research showing that people show more prejudice after being put in a bad mood, or receiving negative feedback, than after being put in a neutral mood, or receiving positive feedback. This research is consistent with scapegoat theory, but it is also consistent with frustration-aggression theory.
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