Images and affect: A functional analysis of out-group stereotypes

Drawing from research on inter-nation images, the authors proposed and tested a functional theory of out-group stereotypes in 3 experiments. In the theory, it is hypothesized that behavioral orientations elicited by specific patterns of intergroup relationships (goal compatibility, relative power, and relative status) give rise to unique schematic representations of an out-group. The representations specified in the theory include 1 positive image (i.e., ally) and 3 differentiated negative images (i.e., enemy, dependent, barbarian). In all 3 experiments, participants read and imagined scenarios describing an intergroup situation in which the structure of relationships between in-group and out-group was varied. Results from Experiments 1 and 2 indicated that relationship cues were sufficient to elicit the predicted images, and some of the images were more likely to be activated under high incidental arousal. In a 3rd experiment an implicit measure was used to demonstrate that the images are activated spontaneously. Overall, results implicate the role of affective state and behavioral intent in shaping the content of social stereotypes.