Dialects and the effects of stereotypes on interpersonal attraction and cognitive processes in impression formation

Abstract

Two studies examined the nature of regional dialect cued stereotypes and their effect upon the formation of an impression of an unknown other. The studies showed (1) that subjects rely upon dialect as a cue to qualities of the other which facilitate his sociological placement, (2) that initial evaluative orientations based upon such stereotypes are quite tentative and change when subsequent information concerning the other's character is acquired, and (3) that the effects of the stereotype persist in little noticed ways in shaping the content and form of the impression.