Who (and where) is credible? : Using virtual reality to examine credibility and bias of perceived race/ethnicity in urban/suburban environments

Marino, Maria Ines and Bilge, Nurhayat and Gutsche Jr, Robert and Holt, Lanier (2020) Who (and where) is credible? : Using virtual reality to examine credibility and bias of perceived race/ethnicity in urban/suburban environments. Howard Journal of Communications, 31 (3). pp. 297-315.

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Abstract

This study evaluates perceptions of race/ethnicity in connection to geography of urban/suburban neighborhoods. The study takes place in a region mostly populated by people identifying as Hispanic, which is reflected in the participant demographics. Before answering the survey questions, the study used Virtual Reality to immerse participants into the scene, and to develop a more realistic experience. Results indicated that perceptions of geography have a greater impact than perceptions of race/ethnicity in terms of assumed credibility. These results challenge stereotypes that are created and commonly perpetuated in our society.