Faithless Found: Replication and Extension of Gervais (2011)

Abstract

Little research examining anti-atheist prejudice reduction interventions has been replicated. The current manuscript aimed to replicate and extend previous anti-atheist prejudice research We proposed three conceptual replications of Will Gervais’ “Finding the faithless” (Study 3). Participants in all three studies were presented with information suggesting that atheists are either common (33% of the population) or rare (3% of the population). Study 1 replicated “Finding the faithless” Study 3 in an undergraduate sample. In Study 2, a sample of Americans on Prolific read that either 33% (common) or 3% (rare) of Americans are atheist. Study 3 had a sample of Americans on Prolific view a graphic showing that Americans overestimated (vs. underestimated) the prevalence of atheists. Across all studies, perceived prevalence did not reduce anti-atheist prejudice. Perceived contact with atheists was associated with more positive feelings toward atheists, replicating past research. We discuss this lack of replication and suggest future avenues for research.