Category-Based and Individuating Processes as a Function of Information and Motivation: Evidence from Our Laboratory

Abstract

When do people form impressions of others based on the stereotypes and prejudices associated with the others’ category memberships, and when instead do they form impressions based on the others’ own particular individuating characteristics? Although people seem to think they should not respond to others on the basis of social group memberships, such category-based responses continue in subtle and not-so-subtle ways (e.g., Crosby, Bromley, & Saxe, 1980; Pettigrew & Martin, 1987). Moreover, while it is clear that people are also fully capable of individuating others, it appears that they do so only when certain conditions are met. Our intent in this chapter is to explicate these conditions and to address some of the factors that elicit them. In this manner, we hope to contribute to interventions aimed at reducing the incidence of impressions formed on the basis of stereotypes and prejudices.