Intergroup bias: Status, differentiation, and a common in-group identity

The present research examined factors that moderate and mediate the reduction of intergroup bias. Two 3-person laboratory groups, which had first worked separately on a task, were informed prior to intergroup contact that (a) the groups were equal or unequal in status based on their task performance, and (b) they had been working on the same or on different task dimensions. Consistent with M. Hewstone and R. J. Brown's (1986) mutual intergroup differentiation model, bias was eliminated when the groups' areas of expertise were differentiated and equally valued (i.e., in the equal status-different dimensions condition). Moreover, as expected on the basis of the common in-group identity model, more inclusive group representations mediated this effect. The findings of the present research thus offer a theoretical integration that can suggest interventions to facilitate positive intergroup contact.