out-group dynamics

Meaning: An out-group is a group a person does not belong to or identify with; the in-group is one they do. Social identity theory proposes that part of self-esteem comes from group membership, so people tend to favor the in-group and judge out-groups less favorably. Typical patterns include the out-group homogeneity effect (out-group members seem more alike than in-group members), in-group bias, stereotyping, prejudice, and ethnocentrism. Competition for scarce resources can intensify hostility, as in realistic conflict theory.

On the MCAT: Passages describe participants rating in-group and out-group members, or groups in conflict. Predict higher ratings and more trust for the in-group, and more perceived similarity within the out-group. In Sherif's Robbers Cave study, competition raised hostility between groups, and shared superordinate goals reduced it. In the minimal group paradigm, even arbitrary group assignment produced favoritism.

Common confusion: Out-group homogeneity is a perception of sameness, not hostility, and in-group bias is favoritism that can occur without active dislike of the out-group. An out-group is defined by a person's identification, not by size, so a minority group is not automatically the out-group for everyone.