On the Immediate Consequences of Intergroup Categorization: Activation of Approach and Avoidance Motor Behavior Toward Ingroup and Outgroup Members

The present research argues that intergroup categorization has immediate behavioral consequences. Specifically, intergroup categorization is hypothesized to prepare the organism to respond differently to ingroup and outgroup members so that approach-like motor movements should be faster toward ingro...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Personality & social psychology bulletin 2008-06, Vol.34 (6), p.755-768
Main Authors: Paladino, Maria-Paola, Castelli, Luigi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age Factors
Approach-Avoidance
Avoidance behavior
Avoidance behaviour
Categorization
Classification
Cognition
Discrimination (Psychology)
Ethnic Groups - statistics & numerical data
Group Processes
Humans
Hypotheses
Immediate
Ingroups
Intergroup relations
Kinesics
Models, Psychological
Motor Activity
Politics
Psycholinguistics
Psychomotor Performance
Reaction Time
Readiness
Social Desirability
Social Distance
Social Perception
Stereotyping
Surveys and Questionnaires
Visual Perception
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Summary:The present research argues that intergroup categorization has immediate behavioral consequences. Specifically, intergroup categorization is hypothesized to prepare the organism to respond differently to ingroup and outgroup members so that approach-like motor movements should be faster toward ingroup- versus outgroup-related stimuli. In contrast, avoidance-like behavior should be facilitated when reacting to outgroup versus ingroup members. Studies 1 and 2 test the basic hypothesis in relation to ethnic, national, age, and political categorization. Study 3 uses a minimal group paradigm to test the hypothesis in relation to newly formed groups. Across these experiments, participants were generally faster in performing approach-like motor movements toward ingroup members or avoidance behaviors toward outgroup members. The evolutionary function and the cognitive underpinnings of this state of “physical readiness” to approach ingroup and avoid outgroup members are discussed.
ISSN:0146-1672
1552-7433
DOI:10.1177/0146167208315155