In the 1940s, researchers Clark and Clark (1947) gave African American children a choice between Black dolls and White dolls. Results showed that most children
A. chose the Black dolls.
B. chose the White dolls.
C. refused to choose between them.
D. used the dolls in aggressive symbolic play.
Answer (2)
In the 1940s, psychologists Kenneth and Mamie Clark conducted a series of experiments known as the 'doll tests' to study the psychological effects of segregation on African American children. These tests were part of Mamie Clark's master's degree thesis and they significantly impacted the understanding of racial perceptions among children.
In these experiments, African American children were shown dolls that were identical except for skin color. The children were asked which dolls they preferred, with choices often including questions about which doll was 'nice,' 'bad,' or 'looks like you.'
The results of these tests showed a preference among the majority of the children for the White dolls over the Black dolls, highlighting internalized racism and negative self-perception among African American children due to societal perceptions of race.
The correct option reflecting their findings is Option B: chose the White dolls .
These results were pivotal in the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case in 1954, where the court decided that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. The doll tests were used to demonstrate the psychological harm caused by segregation.
The research emphasized the importance of understanding emotional self-perception and the broader societal impact of systemic racism, contributing significantly to social psychology and civil rights movements.
In the 1940s, Kenneth and Mamie Clark conducted experiments showing that most African American children preferred White dolls over Black dolls, highlighting internalized racism. The correct choice is Option B: chose the White dolls . This research played an important role in the Brown v. Board of Education case, influencing the fight against segregation.
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