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Intergroup Contact as an Agent of Cognitive Liberalization
Gordon Hodson1, Richard J Crisp2, Rose Meleady3
11 Department of Psychology, Brock University.
Summary
Intergroup contact improves more than just attitudes toward out-groups. Research shows contact fundamentally shapes human cognition, promoting openness, creativity, and cognitive flexibility.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Intergroup contact is a validated method for improving intergroup attitudes.
- The full scope of intergroup contact's effects beyond attitude change is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted outcomes of intergroup contact.
- To investigate the fundamental role of contact in shaping human cognition.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of existing literature on intergroup contact.
- Analysis of diverse forms of contact (face-to-face, indirect, simulated) and their outcomes (attitudes, cognition, behavior).
Main Results:
- Intergroup contact has generalizing effects across out-groups, fostering openness.
- Contact influences ideologies about social hierarchy and regulation.
- Contact promotes novel problem-solving, cognitive flexibility, and creativity over time.
Conclusions:
- Intergroup contact is a key liberalizing agent shaping human cognition and experience.
- Contact theory warrants a central role alongside other theories (e.g., cognitive dissonance) in understanding human nature.
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