Common ingroup identity model & structured free recall: comparison of bias reduction approaches on specific target groups

Abstract

The present study examined the efficacy of targeting specific stereotypes with differential approaches to bias reduction. Specifically, it assessed how effective recategorization strategies such as the Common Ingroup Identity Model (CIIM) were in addressing target groups stereotyped as low in warmth (i.e., Asian Americans), and how effective information processing strategies like Structured Free Recall (SFR) were in addressing target groups stereotyped as low in competence (i.e., Black Americans). Participants (N = 228) were randomly assigned to one of six conditions in a 3 condition (CIIM, SFR, or control) x target group (Asian Americans - low warmth vs. Black Americans – low competence) between-subjects design. Results showed that both CIIM and SFR increased positive behavioral intentions towards the target groups, but the experimental conditions had no effect on changes in negative behavioral intentions or modern racism. Importantly, moderated mediation analyses demonstrated differences in competence perceptions for Asian Americans in the SFR condition; that is, SFR lowered perceptions of competence for Asian Americans and therefore led to more positive behavioral intentions. Implications of results are discussed.