This article discusses both the prevalence of homophobia, defined as “a prejudice that leads to hatred and discrimination toward lesbian and gay people” (Croteau & Kusek,
1992, p. 396), and a specific way to reduce homophobia—gay and lesbian speaker panels. Gay and lesbian speaker panels are panel presentations by gay and lesbian people, whereby they share their personal experiences, stories, and engage in a dialogue with the audience. Croteau & Kusek (1992) discuss six previous studies that researched methods to decrease homophobia, with some utilizing various types of speaker panels.
Although methodological weaknesses are identified in the research, 5 out of the 6 studies concluded that homophobia can be reduced with interventions, including …show more content…
Speakers are rehearsed on effective strategies to use when answering questions, what to expect and how to diffuse hostile or emotionally charged questions. In additions, debriefing for panel members and structured critiques will help increase the efficacy of panel. Croteau & Kusek (1992) discuss six studies assessing the effectiveness of interventions, some including speaker panels, designed to reduce homophobia. Although all but five of these studies indicated positive effects in reducing homophobia, many methodological weaknesses were apparent that call the results into question.
A study by Morin (as cited in Croteau & Kusek, 1992) found that students rated concepts regarding gay and lesbian people more like an “ideal person” after a seminar that included presentations, projects and discussion with seven speaker groups, with some speakers identifying as gay/lesbian.
Anderson (as cited in Croteau & Kusek, 1992) conducted a 2 hour workshop for nursing students on gay/lesbian issues. Some workshop leaders identified as gay/lesbian, others did not. 37 students showed a reduction in homophobic attitudes as compared to a
“control group” of volunteers from another class. There was no difference …show more content…
He used three sections of an introductory psychology class as subjects. One section was given no information, one section viewed a film and heard a lecture, and one section experienced a Gay and Lesbian
4 speaker panel by a gay and lesbian group on the campus. Using an analysis of covariance controlling for group differences, no significant differences in homophobia were found between the three sections of students.
Stevenson’s study (as cited in Croteau & Kusek, 1992) involved a large group of students participating in anti-homophobia educational activities, including a speaker panel. Pre- and post-tests were administered and post-test scores showed more accepting attitudes toward gay/lesbian people.
Lance’s study (as cited in Croteau & Kusek, 1992) showed that presentations by gay and lesbian speakers in a class reduced discomfort with gay and lesbian people. He used one class as the control group, which took a pre-test and the second class as the experimentation group, which took a post-test.
The final study by Pagtolun-An and Clair (as cited in Croteau & Kusek, 1992) seems to be the most methodologically precise. A Solomon Four Group design
1992, p. 396), and a specific way to reduce homophobia—gay and lesbian speaker panels. Gay and lesbian speaker panels are panel presentations by gay and lesbian people, whereby they share their personal experiences, stories, and engage in a dialogue with the audience. Croteau & Kusek (1992) discuss six previous studies that researched methods to decrease homophobia, with some utilizing various types of speaker panels.
Although methodological weaknesses are identified in the research, 5 out of the 6 studies concluded that homophobia can be reduced with interventions, including …show more content…
Speakers are rehearsed on effective strategies to use when answering questions, what to expect and how to diffuse hostile or emotionally charged questions. In additions, debriefing for panel members and structured critiques will help increase the efficacy of panel. Croteau & Kusek (1992) discuss six studies assessing the effectiveness of interventions, some including speaker panels, designed to reduce homophobia. Although all but five of these studies indicated positive effects in reducing homophobia, many methodological weaknesses were apparent that call the results into question.
A study by Morin (as cited in Croteau & Kusek, 1992) found that students rated concepts regarding gay and lesbian people more like an “ideal person” after a seminar that included presentations, projects and discussion with seven speaker groups, with some speakers identifying as gay/lesbian.
Anderson (as cited in Croteau & Kusek, 1992) conducted a 2 hour workshop for nursing students on gay/lesbian issues. Some workshop leaders identified as gay/lesbian, others did not. 37 students showed a reduction in homophobic attitudes as compared to a
“control group” of volunteers from another class. There was no difference …show more content…
He used three sections of an introductory psychology class as subjects. One section was given no information, one section viewed a film and heard a lecture, and one section experienced a Gay and Lesbian
4 speaker panel by a gay and lesbian group on the campus. Using an analysis of covariance controlling for group differences, no significant differences in homophobia were found between the three sections of students.
Stevenson’s study (as cited in Croteau & Kusek, 1992) involved a large group of students participating in anti-homophobia educational activities, including a speaker panel. Pre- and post-tests were administered and post-test scores showed more accepting attitudes toward gay/lesbian people.
Lance’s study (as cited in Croteau & Kusek, 1992) showed that presentations by gay and lesbian speakers in a class reduced discomfort with gay and lesbian people. He used one class as the control group, which took a pre-test and the second class as the experimentation group, which took a post-test.
The final study by Pagtolun-An and Clair (as cited in Croteau & Kusek, 1992) seems to be the most methodologically precise. A Solomon Four Group design