Change in stereotypic perceptions of familiar and unfamiliar groups: the pervasiveness of the subtyping model

The present study examined change in stereotypic perceptions of occupational groups, using a 2 (pattern of presented stereotype inconsistent information: concentrated in a few members vs. dispersed across all members) X 2 (perceived group variability: homogeneous vs. heterogeneous) X 2 (familiarity with the group: familiar vs. unfamiliar) design, following the procedure used by Hewstone, Johnston & Aird (1992). There was no support for the 'conversion' model. Stereotype change was generally greater in dispersed than in concentrated conditions, while subtyping was stronger in concentrated than in dispersed conditions. There was limited evidence that familiarity might moderate the effects of pattern of disconfirming instances. Results were interpreted in terms of a prototype version of the subtyping model.