Clarifying the Role of Perception in Intergroup Relations: Origins of Bias, Components of Perception & Practical Implications
Year: 2016
Type: preprint
Abstract: In our target article, we proposed the Perceptual Model of Intergroup Relations (PMIR) to conceptualize the role of perception in intergroup relations (Xiao, Coppin, & Van Bavel, this issue). According to the model, social identity can alter information processing across perceptual modalities (visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory and gustatory perception) and this process can influence intergroup relations. Since the relationship between social group identification and intergroup relations has been well established, we focused more on the effect of social identity on perception, with attention to implications for behavior. We also highlighted gaps in the existing literature and outlined areas for future research. The PMIR offers a broad set of guidelines for social psychologists to study perception as a function of social group dynamics, and for perception researchers to consider social influences. Uncovering the role of perception in intergroup relations offers novel insights into the construction of shared reality and may help devise new and unique interventions targeted at the perceptual level. The current paper expands on our target article by clarifying the origins of bias, components of perception, and practical implications of the PMIR.
Source: SSRN Electronic Journal
Authors: Yi Xiao, Géraldine Coppin, Jay J. Van Bavel
Institutions: Macalester College, New York University, University of Geneva
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3121488648