How In-Group and Out-Group Representations Prescribe Social Self-Concept : An Investigation by the Application of the Stroop Effect Technique

Recent studies on intergroup behavior have emphasized shifts in self-concept in intergroup behavior, but few studies have directly addressed the way the shifting take place. Using actually existing natural groups, Smith & Henry (1996) studied the way in which shifts in self-concept were made, by examining how self-descriptiveness is prescribed by in-group and out-group representations on reaction time measure. In their research, however, they encountered two problems in clearly verifying the influence of social categories themselves. In our research, by (1) adopting the minimal group experiment and (2) clarifying intergroup context, we have made it possible to see how the social categories of in-group and out-group themselves prescribe social self-concept. Results showed that social self-concept is prescribed through identification with self-representation and in-group representation, but not through the relationship between self-representation and out-group representation. The results shed light on the relationship between social self-concept and intergroup context.Article人文科学論集. 人間情報学科編 38: 99-118 (2004)departmental bulletin pape