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The Stereotype Content Model: The Role Played by Competence in Inferring Group Status
Federica Durante1, Dora Capozza2, Susan T Fiske3
1University of Milan - Bicocca.
Abstract:
In the context of the Stereotype Content Model, we investigate the "backward" inferential process that leads from the competence stereotype to the structural attribute of status. Three hypotheses were tested: (1) Perceived competence affects attributions of status; (2) the less competent group is perceived as warmer (compensation effect); (3) membership leads to ingroup status enhancement. Two minimal groups were created; groups' competence and membership were manipulated. Findings supported the hypotheses: Group status was rated higher when the target group was described as competent; groups were rated warmer when lower in competence; group status was rated higher by members than non-members.
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