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Reducing intergroup bias: elements of intergroup cooperation.
S L Gaertner1, J F Dovidio, M C Rust
1Department of Psychology, University of Delaware, Newark 19716, USA. gaertner@udel.edu
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|April 2, 1999
Summary
Intergroup cooperation involves interaction and common fate, which can be separated. Interaction reduces bias in evaluations, while common fate lowers bias in nonverbal reactions during group interaction.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Intergroup Relations
Background:
- Intergroup cooperation is crucial for reducing prejudice.
- Understanding the distinct roles of interaction and common fate in cooperation is key.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the separable effects of interaction and common fate on intergroup bias.
- To explore the underlying psychological processes mediating these effects.
Main Methods:
- Experimental manipulation of intergroup interaction and common fate.
- Measurement of bias through evaluative ratings and nonverbal facial reactions.
Main Results:
- Interaction significantly reduced bias in evaluative ratings.
- Common fate, during interaction, reduced bias in nonverbal facial reactions.
- Decategorization and superordinate identity were identified as key mediating processes.
Conclusions:
- Interaction and common fate are separable components of intergroup cooperation.
- Different processes mediate bias reduction depending on the cooperative element emphasized.
- Findings align with common in-group identity and group differentiation models.