Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
06:53
Creating Virtual-hand and Virtual-face Illusions to Investigate Self-representation
Published on: March 1, 2017
Enhancing the imagined contact effect
Senel Husnu1, Richard John Crisp
1Department of Psychology, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB, UK. s.husnu@derby.ac.uk
The Journal of Social Psychology
|March 8, 2011
Summary
Mentally simulating positive intergroup contact can improve tolerance. Enhancing imagined contact with more detail or closed eyes increases future out-group acquaintances and actual contact intentions.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Intergroup Relations
Background:
- Positive intergroup contact simulations can foster tolerance and improve perceptions of out-groups.
- Existing interventions for intergroup relations can be enhanced by incorporating imagined contact strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate methods for enhancing the effects of imagined intergroup contact.
- To determine if increased detail in imagined contact influences future out-group acquaintance expectations.
- To assess if specific conditions during imagined contact (e.g., closed eyes) impact intentions for future actual contact.
Main Methods:
- Study 1: Participants generated detailed imagined encounters with out-group members.
- Study 2: Participants imagined intergroup contact with their eyes closed.
- Both studies measured changes in intergroup perceptions, future contact intentions, and expected out-group acquaintances.
Main Results:
- Increased detail in imagined contact led to higher expectations of future out-group acquaintances.
- Imagining contact with eyes closed resulted in stronger intentions for future actual intergroup engagement.
- Both manipulation techniques showed potential for enhancing the benefits of imagined contact.
Conclusions:
- Detailed imagination and sensory focus (closed eyes) are effective strategies for amplifying the positive effects of imagined intergroup contact.
- Imagined contact serves as a valuable, supplementary tool for improving intergroup relations.
- These findings offer practical insights for designing more effective interventions to reduce prejudice and promote social harmony.
More Related Videos
09:52How to Find Effects of Stimulus Processing on Event Related Brain Potentials of Close Others when Hyperscanning Partners
Published on: May 31, 2018
04:27Using Facial Electromyography to Assess Facial Muscle Reactions to Experienced and Observed Affective Touch in Humans
Published on: March 15, 2019
Related Concept Videos
01:22Factors Influencing Attraction I: Proximity
Proximity plays a fundamental role in shaping interpersonal attraction by increasing opportunities for interaction and fostering familiarity. Research consistently demonstrates that individuals are more likely to form social bonds with those who are physically closer to them, whether in residential settings, workplaces, or educational institutions. This effect is largely driven by the increased frequency of encounters, which facilitates the development of friendships and romantic...
03:26Framing Effects
Information is everywhere and its presentation—such as how and when items are presented—can impact our perceptions and decisions surrounding the info. This broad concept umbrellas framing effects—influences that occur due to the way information is framed in its appearance, whether it’s purely the order or the specific wording of a message. Let’s take a look at numerous ways in which two versions of something can objectively say the same thing, yet we respond in different ways based on the...
01:28Factors Influencing Attraction IV: Reciprocity
Reciprocity in attraction is fundamental to social and romantic relationships, shaping how individuals form and maintain connections. The psychological principle underlying this phenomenon is that people tend to like those who express liking toward them. Balance theory supports this tendency, suggesting that mutual attraction fosters psychological harmony, whereas one-sided affection leads to discomfort and cognitive dissonance.The Psychological Mechanisms Behind ReciprocityWhen individuals...
01:14Impression Management Techniques IV: Altercasting
Altercasting is a strategic communication technique in which an individual imposes a specific identity or social role onto another person to influence their behavior and shape the interaction. By presuming a role—such as “responsible leader” or “patient person”—altercasting encourages the target to conform to that identity, often aligning their behavior with the expectations associated with the role. The power of this tactic lies in its subtlety; once a role is assigned, it becomes socially...
01:19Contact-dependent Signaling
Contact-dependent signaling, as the name suggests, requires that communicating cells be in direct contact with each other. This is achieved either through receptor-ligand interactions or by specialized cytoplasmic channels that allow the flow of small molecules between cells. In animal cells, channels called gap junctions facilitate contact-dependent signaling in certain tissues, whereas, plasmodesmata perform a similar function in plants.
Gap Junctions
In animal cells, gap junctions are formed...
Gap Junctions
In animal cells, gap junctions are formed...
01:04Social Facilitation
Not all intergroup interactions lead to negative outcomes. Sometimes, being in a group situation can improve performance. Social facilitation occurs when an individual performs better when an audience is watching than when the individual performs the behavior alone. This typically occurs when people are performing a task for which they are skilled.