Effects of stereotypes on attitude inference: Outgroups are black and white, ingroups are shaded

Abstract

This study examines whether stereotypic expectancies about the attitudes of group members (teachers vs. students) affect the attitude inferred from a series of statements. Stereotypes can produce either assimilation, contrast or no effects. Because ingroups are seen as more variable than outgroups, it is possible that assimilation is easily accomplished in ingroup members because of high category width, whereas contrast is more likely for outgroups who are seen as homogenous. Alternatively, because people are motivated to allocate cognitive resources when processing information about ingroup members, it is also possible that contrast occurs more frequently for ingroups, or that no stereotype effects emerge because the members are not stereotyped. The results indicate that both contrast and assimilation effects are stronger for outgroup than for ingroup members. It is concluded that outgroup members are categorized as either typical or atypical of their group, whereas ingroup members can also occupy intermediate positions.