Diversity dialogue programs produce attitude changes lasting three years

Evidence

In the University of Michigan program, first-year students from groups with a history of conflict (e.g., Whites and African Americans) meet for a semester. Evaluation data indicate that this program has a number of positive effects on intergroup relations (e.g., changing intergroup attitudes and creating a better understanding of discrimination and its causes) (Gurin, Nagda, & Lopez, 2004; Gurin, Peng, Lopez, & Nagda, 1999; Lopez, Gurin, & Nagda, 1998; Nagda & Zuniga, 2003). One of these studies found predominantly positive effects three years after the completion of a one semester program, suggesting that such programs can have lasting effects (Gurin et al., 1999). — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 2651

Categorization

• QUESTION: What exactly did the three-year followup measure, and how large were the effects relative to baseline?
• SEED: Could anchor a piece on whether short structured interventions genuinely outlast the many that show only immediate effects.