Being in the outgroup territory increases stereotypic perceptions of outgroups: Situational sources of category activation

Abstract: Previous research reveals that situational cues can lead to category activation. Based on these findings the current article analyzes whether group places can lead to category activation and increased stereotyping. Psychology students were either in their ingroup building (Psychology Department) or in the outgroup building (Communication Department). Participants read information regarding outgroup members and made judgments of group variability. As expected, participants that were in the outgroup building perceived outgroup members and the outgroup in a more homogeneous way than participants that were in the ingroup building. Consequences for the understanding of mobility and group transition are discussed.