BIAS (PSYCH 21)

bias

systemic and often unconscious error in thinking, perception, or judgement that deviates from objective reality

blatant biases

conscious beliefs, feelings, and behaviors where individuals perfectly admit hostility toward outgroups and openly favor their own group

realistic conflict theory

intergroup hostility ARISES when groups compete for limited resources

Hostility is a predictable psychological response to perceived zero-sum competition (one group wins at the other group's expense)

automatic biases

unintended, immediate, and irresistible biases

ambiguous biases

ell-intended people consciously reject prejudice but their behaviors may do things that show the opposite

weathering hypothesis

the physical wear and tear from living in a race-conscious, stigmatizing society. Health deteriorates earlier in marginalized groups as physiological consequence.

contact hypothesis

Intergroup contact reduces prejudice, but only under four conditions…

1. Equal status between groups

2. Common goals

3. Intergroup cooperation

4. Institutional/authority support