Illusory Correlation and Social Categorization: Toward an Integration of Motivational and Cognitive Factors in Stereotype Formation

Mark Schaller, Anne Maass

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Investigated the effect of group membership on the processes underlying the formation of group stereotypes. In two studies, Ss were randomly assigned to a majority group, a minority group, or neither group (control). Ss were then presented with 48 short statements in which other in-group and out-group members displayed desirable and undesirable behaviors, with either desirable or undesirable behaviors occurring more frequently. Across these items there was no correlation between group membership and desirability of behavior. In Study 1, measures of covariation perception showed that control Ss formed biased impressions of the group, consistent with a memory-based process of stereotype formation. Group members' perceptions showed little evidence of this bias. In Study 2, group members showed evidence of an in-group bias, with further evidence suggesting that these biased judgments were not dependent upon memory processes. Discussion focuses on the complexity of stereotyping processes introduced by social categorization.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)709-721
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of personality and social psychology
Volume56
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1989

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology
  • Sociology and Political Science

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