Race versus belief similarity as determinants of attraction: A search for a fair test

Conducted an experiment to assess the efforts of race vs. belief similarity on interpersonal evaluations. Videotaped interaction was used to manipulate both variables. 40 undergraduates observed 2 white and 2 black actors discussing an issue, and then evaluated them. 1 white and 1 black agreed with the Ss' position, and the remaining pair disagreed. Results show strong belief effects, but few race effects, confirming previous research. A 2nd experiment employed only the video portion of the tape in order to study assumed similarity and attraction. Results show some assumed dissimilarity of blacks, but it was unrelated to attraction. Rather, the expressive behaviors of actors determined attraction, while racial membership had no effect at all. (15 ref.)