Abstract
The study aims to explore the dominance of stereotypic thinking in the process of social information processing. It tests one of the assumptions of Parallel Constraint Satisfaction Theory regarding the order of provided information. It is hypothesized that dominance of either type of processing (stereotypic or individuating) depends on the primacy of provided social information. In the experiment, each participant (N = 144) was randomly assigned to either of the condition, where one was presented with one and the same stereotypic (categorical) and individuating (counter stereotypic behavioral) information about one and the same person, provided into a certain order. Based on the level of p < 0.05, comparison of impressions received in different order conditions (category primacy vs. behavior primacy) revealed that the first impressions followed the effect of primacy. This effect appeared to be consistent in the impressions of both observed targets (Doctor and IT). Hypothesis about the importance of order and primacy in social perception has been proved, but hypothesis about averaging impression in the condition of the information being provided together was not proved. The study shows that order of provided information determines whether target instantly stereotypically categorizes others or focuses more on their behavior and makes individualistic impression of them.
Highlights
Stereotypical thinking is an integral part of our daily lives
Based on the level of p < 0.05, comparison of impressions received in different order conditions revealed that the first impressions followed the effect of primacy
In N2 and N4 order conditions stereotypic evaluations are dominant, but with the change of the order of presentation this dominance diminishes—in the condition where stereotypic information is presented first Doctor is evaluated as more typical Doctor (84%), than in the condition when the same information is presented later
Summary
Stereotypical thinking is an integral part of our daily lives. It is an essential mechanism for our adaptation, but when operating in social world, observers due to stereotypic perception sacrifice others’ uniqueness and realistic understanding of others’ behaviors and individual characteristics. M. Giorgashvili crimination in social relations is precisely the wrong stereotypical perception. Giorgashvili crimination in social relations is precisely the wrong stereotypical perception It seems stereotypical thinking really has a big impact on us. It determines our attitude towards the world, our relationships with other individuals, and our psychological well-being, both on an individual and societal level
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