Do Curricular and Cocurricular Diversity Activities Influence Racial Bias? A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

In response to rapidly changing demographics and increased racial tensions, institutions across the country have implemented diversity-related initiatives-to varying degrees-designed to promote positive intergroup relations. This increased interest has resulted in a growing body of research examining the impact of curricular and cocurricular diversity activities on a variety of outcomes and racial bias in particular. Whereas past reviews have highlighted the inconsistency in the research findings thus far, this study presents the first quantitative synthesis on this topic to date. The findings of this meta-analysis demonstrate that these initiatives do indeed reduce bias and that the effectiveness of this result depends on the characteristics of the program as well as the students.

Serving a Stranger or Serving Myself: Alternative Breaks and the Influence of Race and Ethnicity on Student Understanding of Themselves and Others

“…Participants in general reported quite a lot of growth in this area and a fairly strong influence of their AB experience on this outcome. Consistent with prior research (e.g., Jones et al, 2012;Niehaus, 2012b), ABs can provide a context that facilitates the informal interactions with diverse others necessary for student development (Bowman, 2010(Bowman, , 2011Denson, 2009;Gurin et al, 2002).…”

“…As such, college may be the first time these students (both White students and Students of color) are able to engage with others different from themselves in consistent and meaningful ways. Moreover, research based on Gurin and colleagues' (2002) framework has identified the particularly important role of informal interactions with diversity in facilitating student development (e.g., Bowman, 2010Bowman, , 2011Denson, 2009).…”

From equality and inclusion to cultural pluralism – Evolution and effects of cultural diversity perspectives in schools

“…Approaches to cultural diversity have guided a broad range of interventions in culturally diverse schools (Denson, 2009). Principles of equality and inclusion have mainly guided (1) contact-based programs, aiming at the reduction of prejudice and discrimination.…”

Meta-Analysis in Higher Education: An Illustrative Example Using Hierarchical Linear Modeling

“…While there certainly have been many qualitative literature reviews on this topic (e.g., Engberg 2004), there had yet to be a quantitative review that summarized and integrated the findings of this topic thus far. Denson's (2009) study was the first to address this research gap.…”