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Perception of mind and dehumanization: Human, animal, or machine?
María D Morera1, María N Quiles1, Ana D Correa2
1Departamento de Psicología Cognitiva, Social y Organizacional, University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
Summary
This study explored dehumanization, finding that "evil people" are perceived mechanistically and as predators, while the "lowest of the low" are not animalized but remain human. These findings refine models of dehumanization.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Dehumanization is a psychological process that can be understood through attribute-based and metaphor-based models.
- Previous research suggests dehumanization involves denying agency or experience to target groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how different target groups (professional, evil, lowest of the low) are dehumanized.
- To test the applicability of attribute-based and metaphor-based models of dehumanization.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted using different targets: professional people, evil people, and the lowest of the low.
- Study 1 examined dimensions of mind perception, focusing on agency and experience.
- Study 2 utilized metaphors to distinguish dehumanization types, specifically animalistic and mechanistic dehumanization.
Main Results:
- Study 1 confirmed that "lowest of the low" targets were dehumanized through denial of agency, and "evil people" through denial of experience.
- Study 2 revealed that "evil people" were associated with mechanistic dehumanization (e.g., "killing machines") and "lowest of the low" were not animalized.
- The study found overlap between animalistic and mechanistic dehumanization, challenging their independence.
Conclusions:
- Dehumanization processes are complex and can be understood through both denial of mind attributes and metaphorical associations.
- "Evil people" and "lowest of the low" are distinct targets of dehumanization, with different psychological mechanisms at play.
- The findings suggest a nuanced view of dehumanization, highlighting the interconnectedness of different dehumanizing metaphors.
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