In a well-known study using archival data, researchers Hovland and Sears found that-in the southern U.S., between 1882 and 1930-there was a statistically significant correlation between the market price of cotton and the frequency of interracial lynching incidents. This study has typically been interpreted as supporting ____.
A) the contact hypothesis
B) realistic conflict theory
C) social dominance theory
D) scapegoat theory

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The study is interpreted as supporting scapegoat theory, which suggests that economic frustration and hardship can lead to aggression towards a convenient target, in this case, interracial lynching incidents when cotton prices were low.

In a Well-Known Study Using Archival Data, Researchers Hovland and Sears