Those who wish to bring about positive communication between two groups with strongly polarized attitudes cannot do so merely by bringing the groups together for interaction. A study of inmates and officers at a women's prison revealed the potential of perception training for changing initially polarized conceptions. Analyses of subjects' perceptions of groups with opposing beliefs showed that positive interaction can occur with proper training in communication skills. Initial contact between polarized groups is usually negative and continued limited contact without planned training in perception results in deterioration to a more negative level. However, continued contact involving perception training results in more positive communication and interaction. (RN)