Stereotyping and action tendencies attribution as a function of available emotional information

Abstract

In three experiments, we addressed the role of stereotypes in the attribution of action tendencies in intergroup contexts. We hypothesized that stereotyping would affect the attribution of action tendencies to out-group members. Participants were presented with a facial expression displayed by either an in-group or an out-group member, followed by the presentation of a label describing an action tendency. They were then asked whether the label corresponded to the feeling state of the expresser. Study 1 tested whether stereotypes influence the attribution of action tendencies to outgroup members. Study 2 tested whether stereotype application varies as a function of the emotional information contained in the facial stimuli (i.e. neutral vs. emotional). Finally, Study 3 tested whether stereotype activation is indirectly determined by a difference in morphology between in-group and outgroup members or directly determined by the expresser's group membership. As predicted, an increase in attribution of stereotypic action tendencies was observed for out-group expressers. The application of stereotypes was specifically observed when facial expressions were neutral as compared to emotional and was independent of morphological differences between in-group and out-group faces. Such biases in interpreting out-group members feeling states may play a crucial role in the maintenance of intergroup prejudice.

Intergroup fears and concerns among minority and majority groups: Implications for contact and attitudes

“…It would also be worthwhile for future research to take a more thorough approach on intergroup contact and investigate how factors such as body language can account for contact avoidance and subsequent outgroup attitudes. For example, people may appear unfriendly or fail to initiate contact via closed body language, facial expressions, or lack of eye contact and this may perpetuate the cycle of stereotypes, maintenance of prejudice, and contact avoidance (Philippot & Yabar, 2005). Future research should aim to identify ways to signal openness for contact as this may attenuate some of the anxiety and fear related to avoiding intergroup interactions.…”

Helping coworkers only when I have more? Integrating social comparison, attribution and conservation of resources theories

“…While we propose that employees make internal or external attributions when determining how a coworker deploys personal resources, we make an implicit assumption that employees have complete access to relevant information. It is, however, quite likely that information about coworkers may not be readily available when needed (Philippot and Yabar, 2015). Thus, it becomes important to know how attribution biases affect decisions to help or not to help.…”