When less humanity is more: A single target compensation phenomenon between human nature and human uniqueness

This research examines the dynamic relationship between the two dimensions of humanity perception - human nature (HN) and human uniqueness (HU) - as defined in Haslam's (2006) Dual Model of Dehumanization. While these dimensions have long been relied on to study perceptions of humanity, the relationship between them remains unclear. Building on prior research showing compensation effects in social judgment, as well as our own prior unpredicted results, we hypothesized that a similar pattern might occur between HN and HU. Across four studies (N = 660), we independently manipulated vignette-based targets of social perception to appear either low or high on one dimension, using a 2 × 2 factorial design. On a subsequent measure of humanity perception, a strong compensation pattern between HU and HN emerged. Targets described as low in HN were perceived as higher in HU than those described as high in HN. Conversely, targets low in HU were seen as higher in HN than those described as high in HU. These findings support the existence of a dimensional compensation mechanism in humanity perception. Results are discussed in terms of potential cognitive mechanisms behind compensation, the role of social comparison, and the potential implication of the self in this process.