Racial Attitudes and Perceptions Survey (RAPS)

An instrument was developed to obtain information from black and white military personnel about their racial attitudes and perceptions. The instrument also obtained reports of the frequencies of specific discriminatory behaviors and the tension levels associated with each. The instrument--known as t...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Hiett, Robert L, McBride, Robin S, Fiman, Byron G, Thomas, James A, O'Mara, Francis E
Format: Report
Language:English
Subjects:
ARMY PERSONNEL
ATTITUDES(PSYCHOLOGY)
MEASUREMENT
PE62108A
PERCEPTION(PSYCHOLOGY)
RACE RELATIONS
RELIABILITY
Sociology and Law
SURVEYS
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Summary:An instrument was developed to obtain information from black and white military personnel about their racial attitudes and perceptions. The instrument also obtained reports of the frequencies of specific discriminatory behaviors and the tension levels associated with each. The instrument--known as the Racial Attitudes and Perceptions Survey (RAPS)--was evaluated in terms of its construct validity and its reliability. Attitudes and perceptions were measured in four areas: (1) Perceptions of Discrimination Against Blacks; (2) Attitude Toward Racial Interaction; (3) Feelings of Reverse Racism; and (4) Racial Climate. Evidence indicated the instrument provided valid measures, and reliability estimates were satisfactory. Analysis across demographic variables indicated that several variables were related to RAPS results, with race being the most important. Results indicated that (1) blacks perceived more racial discrimination than whites, (2) both blacks and whites favored racial interactions, and (3) more whites than blacks felt the racial climate in the military was favorable. The report makes several recommendations regarding the use of the RAPS at the local and command levels.