Tolerance in intergroup relations: cognitive representations reducing ingroup projection

Abstract

The Ingroup Projection Model (IPM) states that groups evaluate each other according to how prototypical they are of the superordinate category, the category that includes subgroups. The Ingroup Projection Model predicts that members of the ingroup tends to project their own characteristics onto the superordinate category, and thus see themselves as more prototypical of the superordinate category than the outgroup, which increases the likelihood for intergroup discrimination. Research has shown that this tendency of projection appears to be greater in high-status groups. The phenomenon of ingroup projection is hypothesized to be reduced by undefined cognitive representations of the superordinate category such as a complex representation of the superordinate category and a small-scope prototype. A complex representation of the superordinate category is one that has many distinctive characteristics that are seen as equally prototypical, whereas a small-scope representation includes a few prescriptive norms. The present study tested the reduction effects of complexity and smallscope prototype on ingroup projection using a 2 (Number of dimensions: few vs. many) x 2 (Relatedness of dimensions: orthogonal/independent vs. correlated/related) x 2 (Group: Psychology students vs. Law students) factorial design. The results support the Ingroup Projection Model and related assumptions. However, the results also indicate the importance of the specific characteristics of the intergroup situation.