Introduction
The members of the LGBT community continue to suffer discrimination all over the world. Interestingly, the level of discrimination varies greatly from one nation to another. For example, Western Nations are more tolerant to homosexuality compared to Middle Eastern Nations, in general. Such variation in the level of discrimination suggests that there are governing factors that determine the perception of people towards homosexuality, making it an interesting topic in psychology. In order to fully understand how the perceptions of people towards homosexuality vary, it is important to set some variables and study them. There have been diverse studies performed in the past that study the variables culture, religious beliefs, and bias towards homosexuality (Mason & Barr, 2006). It is interesting to point out that these studies are unanimous in pointing out that there are other variables aside from those aforementioned that could influence bias towards homosexuality. Such variables would include the person’s level of education.
Theoretically, education aims to enlighten people about different truths. Such truth includes scientific, cultural, social, and psychological truths. In other words, education could free a person from ignorance and from the incorrect societal norms, such as bias against homosexuality. Unfortunately, there are limited numbers of study that correlates a person’s level of education and bias towards homosexuality. For a world that consistently moves towards improving education, it is important to understand how education affects bias against homosexuality, so that such knowledge can be used in the practical applications of science and other related fields of studies such as psychology. This study, therefore aims to answer the question: how does level of education affects bias against homosexuality?
In accordance with the aim of this study, there are two variables which will be studied. These variables are level of education and level of bias towards homosexuality. The dependent variable is the level of bias towards homosexuality and the independent variable will be the level of education.
Literature Review
Mason and Barr (2006) have conducted a review of studies that tackles the factors or variables that determine people’s perception on homosexuality. The study concluded that there are diverse variables that affect people’s perception on homosexuality but one of the most significant variables is education. Similar findings were shown in a study conducted by Adela (2010), where it was shown that educated Romanians tend to be more tolerant to homosexuality compared to less educated Romanians.
A possible explanation for the findings of the previously mentioned studies is indicated in a study conducted by Feng et al. (2012). Feng et al. (2012) explained that as people age, their ideologies or knowledge begin to increase. This knowledge allows them to judge and perceived things differently. Such knowledge plays an important role in the stigmatization, marginalization, and bias towards homosexuality. The study, therefore, lays a strong foundation to the idea that the quality of knowledge helps determine whether a person will have a strong bias against homosexuality or not. This idea is also supported by the study conducted by Forste, Heaton and Jacobson (2014) which indicated that education is one of the possible factors or variables that determine the perception on homosexuality. The study further noted that the world, especially the Western Nations, are pushing for gay and lesbian civil rights more today compared to the later centuries. One of the reasons for these civil rights movements is the application of theories and scientific findings in secular education. Another interesting finding that the study showed is that from 20th to the 21st “high schools and college campuses saw a growth in gay-straight alliances among student groups, and an increasing number of companies put anti-discrimination policies in place” (Forste, Heaton, & Jacobson, 2014, p.2).
Based from the previous studies, the following hypothesis is made: It is hypothesized that as people attain higher levels of education, they will become less likely to develop bias towards or against homosexuality. This hypothesis will answer the research question: how does level of education affects bias against homosexuality?
Methodology
Research design
This study will utilize the correlational research design in determining the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. This will be done by determining the Pearson Product Moment of Correlation between the two variables, which can be accomplished by using the built-in functions of Microsoft Excel.
Samples
The samples for this study would be college students studying at Dugos University. The samples would come from different batches (Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior College Students). It is aimed that at least 50% of the students in the University will be sampled. The participants will be recruited individually. Accordingly, the researcher will approach each student and ask them if they could participate in the study. The prospective participant shall be given a brief about the study. Once they have agreed to participate, they will be handed a survey form. It should be noted that ethics in research will be followed at all times. This means that the participants need to participate out of their won free will, and will never be bribed or forced in anyway. Moreover, it will be communicated to them that the information that they will provide shall be used solely for the purposes indicated in the research. Lastly, they will get the assurance that their identities would be kept confidential. Lastly, before the survey forms are distributed, the University’s Research Ethics Community or the research adviser will be consulted first to know whether the methods employed are ethical.
Data and data analysis
The survey form will contain a series of question which will be rated by the participants. Each item will have its corresponding numerical value which will be added together. The sum will then be correlated with the participant’s level of education. In other words, for each participant there will be two measures that will be taken – their score in the survey form and their level of education. The score in the survey form will serve as measure for the dependent variable and the level of education will serve as the measure for the independent variable. The reliability of the data gathered from the survey form shall be ensured by controlling and noting other variables that might affect the variables which will be studied. The validity of the data and the findings shall be measured by determining the p-value (Kimberlin & Winterstein, 2008).
References
Adela, M. (2010). Social perception of homosexuality in Romania. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 5(2010), p. 45-49.
Feng, Y., Lou, C., Gao, E., Tu, X., Cheng, Y., Zabin, L. (2012). Adolescents’ and Young Adults’ Perception of Homosexuality and Related Factors in Three Asian Cities. Journal of Adolescent Health, 50(30), p. S52–S60.
Forste, R., Heaton, T.B. & Jacobson, C.K. (2014). Changing Attitudes Toward Homosexuality in the United States from 1977 to 2012. Retrieved from http://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5090&context=etd
Kimberlin, C.L. & Winterstein, A.G. (2008). Validity and reliability of measurement instruments used in research. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacists, 65(23), p. 2276-2284
Mason, G. & Barr,M. (2006). Attitudes Towards Homosexuality: A Literature Review. Retrieved from https://sydney.edu.au/law/criminology/ahcn/docs_pdfs/Mason_Barr_2006.pdf.
