In-group and Out-group Bias

585 Words2 Pages

One of the most robust phenomena in psychology is ingroup/outgroup bias. Past research has shown that while people empathize with almost anyone in distress they empathize more with their in-group - family, friends, or their own ethnic group (Society Of Neuroscience, 2009). Previous studies have shown that stereotypes, that are believed to contain the summary of our cultural beliefs about a group, are often automatically activated these when group members are encountered or even thought about (Scott, 2005). Many researchers have found that, while individuals may be motivated to resist stereotyping and prejudice the initial stereotyping still occurs (Devine, Plant, Amodio, Harmon-Jones & Vance, 2002; Dunton & Fazio, 1997). Scott believes that the initial stereotyping is often coupled with a more controlled process, which can reduce the impact of such stereotyping on judgments, when perceivers are motivated and able to correct for the activated stereotypes thus playing an important role in decision-making (Scott, 2005). Racial Bias in jury outcomes may also have its roots in Empath...

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