Emotions and Biases: Analyzing the Relationship between Emotional Intelligence, Bayesian Racism, Tolerance of Racism, and Intervention Restricted; Files Only

Abstract

Abstract

           Emotional intelligence has gained recent popularity for its role in successful social and professional relationships and in decision-making. Underlying motives for discrimination describing a lack of rational thinking along with theories of prejudice suggest there may be an emotional link in discriminatory decision-making. This study examines 18–74-year-olds’ (N = 478) Emotional Intelligence (SSEIT), Bayesian Racism (BRS), Tolerance of Racism (TOR), and Discriminatory Situation Reaction/Response (DSR) through an online survey questionnaire. Using regression and correlation analyses, and qualitative coding, we found a negative correlation between SSEIT scores (measure of Emotional Intelligence) and BRS scores (Bayesian Racism); and a positive correlation between BRS and TOR scores (Tolerance of Racism). Additionally, we found a positive correlation between SSEIT and DSR Intervention choice as well as between SSEIT and high consequence and low consequence scenario groups from the DSR. This study draws light to impactful but less often considered forms of discrimination and may provide a basis for developing additional tools to combat and reduce racial bias in the future.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Abstract

Introduction - 1

Theories of Prejudice and Racism - 2

Emotional Intelligence and the Amygdala - 6

The Present Study - 8

Hypotheses - 10

Methods - 11

Participant Recruitment - 11

Procedure - 12

Measures - 12

Data Preparation and Analysis - 16

Results - 18

Descriptive Statistic and Preliminary Analyses - 18

Tests of Primary Hypotheses - 19

Discussion - 22

Conclusion - 33

References - 35

Appendix A. Tables - 39

Appendix B. Comparison Figures and Tables between Participant Recruitment Groups - 42

Appendix C. Bayesian Racism Scale - 45

Appendix D. Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT) - 46

Appendix E. Tolerance of Racism (TOR) - 48

Appendix F. Discrimination Situation Reaction & Response (DSR) Scenarios - 49

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	Psychology
Subfield / Discipline	Cognition and Development
Degree	B.S.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Psychology, Behavioral Psychology, Personality Psychology, Social
Keyword	Bayesian Tolerance of Racism Emotional Intelligence Intervention Racism
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Philippe Rochat, Emory University
Committee Members	Jessica Barber, Emory University Simona Muratore, Emory University Sara Botto, Emory University

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