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Group Processes & Intergroup Relations, Vol. 6, No. 1, 93-110 (2003)
DOI: 10.1177/1368430203006001014

Intergroup Contact: Effects on Group Evaluations and Perceived Variability

Christopher Wolsko

University of Colorado at Boulder

Bernadette Park

University of Colorado at Boulder, bpark{at}psych.colorado.edu

Charles M. Judd

University of Colorado at Boulder

Jonathan Bachelor

University of Colorado at Boulder

We argue that the two different components of group perceptions, namely group evaluations and perceptions of group variability, are affected by intergroup contact in rather different ways. Consistent with considerable existing research in the contact literature, we show that intergroup contact results in more positive target group evaluations, so long as the contact is cooperative and relatively pleasant. On the other hand, consistent with laboratory work in stereotype change, we show that changes in perceptions of group variability as a function of contact occur only when the contact is with someone who disconfirms the group stereotype but who is nevertheless regarded as typical of the group.

Key Words: contact hypothesis • perceived variability • stereotyping change • subtyping

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Group Processes Intergroup Relations, October 1, 2007; 10(4): 427 - 441.
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