Media Effects On Chinese And American Stereotypes In College Settings

Abstract

This study examines national stereotypes in the contexts of Chinese and American universities and discusses how mass media and previous personal contact affect perceptions of the outgroup separately and interactively. The study employs both qualitative and quantitative methods: focus groups and surveys. During the first stage, eight focus groups were conducted in China and America. Based on the analysis of focus group transcripts, a survey was designed and distributed to 400 students in America and China during the second stage. Main findings from this study include: 1) there is high level of consensus on perceptions of Americans and Chinese; 2) the use of American news media is related to perceptions of China as a competitor and threat to America; 3) watching Hollywood movies is related to more positive perceptions of Americans; 4) personal contact is associated with more positive and less stereotypical perceptions of people from the other group.