Focus of attention in minimal intergroup discrimination

Tested the hypothesis that the level of intergroup discrimination between minimal groups depends on the amount of attention that Ss are able to pay to the intergroup distinction. 60 11-yr-olds completed a self-attention scale. Ss were then assigned to either a standard, enhanced, or distracted condition and required to complete a set of pay-off matrices. Data indicate only partial support for the hypothesis. Ss who were encouraged to attend to group membership (enhanced condition) showed greater in-group favoritism on some measures than did those in standard and distracted conditions, respectively. Enhanced condition Ss were also slightly more consistent in their intergroup allocation of points than were Ss in the other conditions. Individual differences in self-attention and conformity only affected self-reported behavior and some affective measures but did not influence point allocations. Results are discussed in terms of task, motivation, salience, and attention.