• Table of Contents

  • Gilbert Hartmann Lapiere: A Pioneer in Social Psychology
  • Early Life and Education
  • The Lapiere Study: Challenging Prejudice and Stereotypes
  • The Lapiere Discrepancy: Exploring Attitudes and Behavior
  • Contributions to Group Dynamics
  • Legacy and Impact
  • Q&A
  • 1. What was Gilbert Hartmann Lapiere’s most famous study?
  • 2. What is the Lapiere Discrepancy?
  • 3. What are some factors that contribute to the Lapiere Discrepancy?
  • 4. What did Lapiere contribute to the field of group dynamics?
  • 5. What is Gilbert Hartmann Lapiere’s legacy in social psychology?
  • Summary

Gilbert Hartmann Lapiere was a renowned social psychologist who made significant contributions to the field. His groundbreaking research and theories have had a lasting impact on our understanding of human behavior and social interactions. In this article, we will explore the life and work of Gilbert Hartmann Lapiere, delve into his key findings, and discuss their implications in the field of social psychology.

Early Life and Education

Gilbert Hartmann Lapiere was born on September 4, 1904, in Chicago, Illinois. He developed an early interest in psychology and pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Chicago. Lapiere’s passion for understanding human behavior led him to pursue a Ph.D. in social psychology at Harvard University, where he studied under the guidance of renowned psychologist Kurt Lewin.

The Lapiere Study: Challenging Prejudice and Stereotypes

One of Lapiere’s most famous and influential studies was conducted in 1934, during a time when racial prejudice and discrimination were prevalent in the United States. Lapiere and his research assistant, Richard Simmons, embarked on a cross-country journey to examine the attitudes and behaviors of Americans towards Chinese immigrants.

During their travels, Lapiere and Simmons visited various establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions, accompanied by a Chinese couple. Surprisingly, despite the prevailing negative stereotypes and prejudices against Chinese immigrants, they were only denied service in one out of the 251 establishments they visited.

This study challenged the prevailing belief that attitudes and stereotypes directly translate into discriminatory behavior. Lapiere’s findings suggested that there was a significant discrepancy between people’s expressed attitudes and their actual behavior. This phenomenon came to be known as the “Lapiere Discrepancy.”

The Lapiere Discrepancy: Exploring Attitudes and Behavior

The Lapiere Discrepancy sparked a wave of research in social psychology, as it raised important questions about the relationship between attitudes and behavior. Lapiere’s study demonstrated that individuals may hold prejudiced attitudes, but their behavior may not necessarily reflect those attitudes.

Subsequent research has further explored this discrepancy and identified several factors that contribute to the inconsistency between attitudes and behavior. These factors include social norms, situational constraints, and the presence of other individuals. For example, individuals may conform to social norms and behave in a manner that is inconsistent with their personal attitudes to avoid social disapproval or conflict.

Contributions to Group Dynamics

In addition to his work on attitudes and behavior, Lapiere made significant contributions to the field of group dynamics. He conducted several studies that examined the influence of group membership on individual behavior and attitudes.

One of Lapiere’s notable studies focused on the concept of group polarization. He found that when individuals with similar attitudes and beliefs come together in a group, their initial opinions tend to become more extreme. This phenomenon occurs due to a process of social comparison and the desire for social approval within the group.

Lapiere’s research on group dynamics shed light on the mechanisms underlying group polarization and its implications for decision-making processes within groups. His findings have been instrumental in understanding how group dynamics can shape individual behavior and attitudes.

Legacy and Impact

Gilbert Hartmann Lapiere’s contributions to social psychology have had a lasting impact on the field. His research challenged prevailing beliefs and paved the way for further exploration of the complex relationship between attitudes and behavior. Lapiere’s work on group dynamics also provided valuable insights into the influence of group membership on individual attitudes and decision-making processes.

Today, Lapiere’s studies continue to be cited and referenced in social psychology research. His work has influenced subsequent generations of psychologists and has contributed to our understanding of human behavior in social contexts.

Q&A

1. What was Gilbert Hartmann Lapiere’s most famous study?

Gilbert Hartmann Lapiere’s most famous study was conducted in 1934 and examined the attitudes and behaviors of Americans towards Chinese immigrants. This study challenged prevailing stereotypes and demonstrated a significant discrepancy between attitudes and behavior.

2. What is the Lapiere Discrepancy?

The Lapiere Discrepancy refers to the phenomenon observed in Gilbert Hartmann Lapiere’s study, where individuals may hold prejudiced attitudes but behave in a manner that is inconsistent with those attitudes. This discrepancy between attitudes and behavior raised important questions about the relationship between the two.

3. What are some factors that contribute to the Lapiere Discrepancy?

Several factors contribute to the Lapiere Discrepancy, including social norms, situational constraints, and the presence of other individuals. Individuals may conform to social norms or behave in a manner inconsistent with their personal attitudes to avoid social disapproval or conflict.

4. What did Lapiere contribute to the field of group dynamics?

Gilbert Hartmann Lapiere made significant contributions to the field of group dynamics. His research on group polarization demonstrated that when individuals with similar attitudes come together in a group, their initial opinions tend to become more extreme. This finding has important implications for understanding decision-making processes within groups.

5. What is Gilbert Hartmann Lapiere’s legacy in social psychology?

Gilbert Hartmann Lapiere’s research and theories have had a lasting impact on the field of social psychology. His work challenged prevailing beliefs, provided valuable insights into the relationship between attitudes and behavior, and shed light on the influence of group dynamics on individual attitudes and decision-making processes. Lapiere’s studies continue to be referenced and cited in contemporary social psychology research.

Summary

Gilbert Hartmann Lapiere was a pioneering social psychologist whose research and theories have significantly contributed to our understanding of human behavior and social interactions. His study challenging prejudice and stereotypes, known as the Lapiere Discrepancy, raised important questions about the relationship between attitudes and behavior. Lapiere’s work on group dynamics, particularly his research on group polarization, provided valuable insights into the influence of group membership on individual attitudes and decision-making processes. Lapiere’s legacy in social psychology continues to shape the field and inspire further research in understanding human behavior in social contexts.