An Experimental Test of the Intergroup Relations Model: Understanding the Origins of Intergroup Conflict (2009 - Present)

Investigator:  Thomas Malloy, Rhode Island College
Mentor:  David Kenny, University of Connecticut 

Abstract:  Intergroup conflict is a leading cause of death, injury, and illness worldwide.  If the origins of intergroup conflict can be understood and prevented, human health and welfare will be enhanced worldwide.  Proposed are two experiments designed to test a theoretical model of intergroup relations that will provide intensive research training for undergraduate students.  This model, called the Intergroup Relations Model (IRM), was developed by the PI and is designed to explain a broad range of intergroup phenomena.  The IRM predicts that intergroup behavior is most proximally caused by intergroup emotion, that is itself caused by ethnocentrism (i.e., a belief that one’s own group is superior to other groups) and negative out-group stereotypes.  Thus, the IRM is a mediational model in which cognitive processes determine affect that, in turn, causes intergroup behavior.  The IRM has been evaluated in previous studies focusing on the differences between judgments of one’s in-group and out-groups.  These past studies permitted correlational analyses of the relationships among the IRM constructs.  Some preliminary data are presented in this proposal, and results are consistent with the predictions of the IRM.  However, the correlational data are inadequate for testing the validity of the model.  The two experiments proposed will yield data for adequate testing of the theoretical predictions of the IRM.    Three undergraduates and one graduate student will be actively involved in all phases of this research.  Students will receive supervised training in theoretical derivation of hypotheses, development of research methods and operations, skill in running participants through the experimental protocol, organization and management of data, analysis of data, organization of results, writing and publication of findings, and presentation of results at scientific conferences.  Many students have been trained in my lab at Rhode Island College and eight recent students have completed the Ph.D.; some are now professors in tenure track positions.  The psychology department at Rhode Island College has about 700 majors and recruiting 3 talented undergraduates and 1 graduate student will be readily accomplished.