Social Attitudes Predict Biases in Geographic Knowledge

• Published in: The Professional geographer Vol. 56; no. 2; pp. 258 - 269
• Main Authors: Kerkman, Dennis D., Stea, David, Norris, Karen, Rice, Jennifer L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Taylor & Francis Group 01-05-2004; Blackwell Publishing; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Americans; Attitudes; Bias; Borders; Boundaries; Canadians; Cultural contact; Cultural diversity; diversity; geographic distortions; Human geography; Interethnic relations; International cultural relations; Knowledge; Mexicans; Multiculturalism & pluralism; Nationalism; Perception; Social identity; Students; Texas; U.S.A; Universities; Canada; Mexico; United States; US
• ISSN: 0033-0124; 1467-9272
• DOI: 10.1111/j.0033-0124.2004.05602009.x

Three principal components were found to underlie Texas university students' experiences with and attitudes toward Canada, the United States, and Mexico: diversity orientation, Mexican experiences, and Canadian experiences. Diversity orientation included positive attitudes toward Hispanics, Canadians, minorities, interethnic friendships, and dating and was negatively correlated with natio-centrism (e.g., believing U.S. citizens receive the world's best education). Diversity orientation and natio-centrism were not related to experiences with Mexico or Canada. Students estimated the locations of Canadian cities too far north and Mexican cities too far south. Biased estimates for Mexican cities were negatively correlated with diversity orientation, not experience with Mexico.