Children's ratings of peers presented as mentally retarded and physically handicapped

Third- and sixth-grade children were shown slides and tapes presenting target children as either (a) physically nonhandicapped and nonretarded, (b) physically handicapped only, (c) mentally retarded only, or (d) physically handicapped and mentally retarded. All children were rated more favorably by third graders than sixth graders and more favorably by boys than girls. Physically handicapped target children were rated more favorably than were nonhandicapped children on behavioral intentions measures but were not rated differently on an attitude scale; retarded children were also rated more favorably than were nonretarded children on the former measures but less favorably on the attitude scale. Significant interactions were noted and implications of the results discussed.