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Deska Dissertation.pdf (709.1 KB)

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They’re all the same to me: Homogeneous groups are denied mind

Deska, Jason C
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8242-7494
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1521814532340695

Abstract Details

2018, Doctor of Philosophy, Miami University, Psychology.
The ascription of sophisticated, human-like minds to others is central to social cognition and behavior. Yet, the denial of others’ minds (i.e., dehumanization) is an all-too-common phenomenon. Extant theory and empirical data suggest that a range of both personal and group-based motives are central to understanding when people ascribe and deny sophisticated minds to others. The current work investigated a specific characteristic of groups—homogeneity—that may influence mind ascription. Specifically, I tested the novel hypothesis that homogeneous groups would be ascribed lower levels of mental sophistication than heterogeneous groups. Seven studies tested this hypothesis. Studies 1-3 manipulated the extent to which abstract, alien groups were relatively homogeneous or heterogeneous and assessed the extent to which these groups were ascribed sophisticated mental capacities. Study 4 was designed as conceptual replication of the first three studies. Instead of relying on abstract, alien groups, participants made judgments about human groups that were described as relatively homogeneous or heterogeneous. Finally, Studies 5a, 5b, and 6 tested the downstream consequences of the hypothesized homogeneity-based dehumanization effect. Specifically, Studies 5a and 5b investigated whether homogeneity-based dehumanization can facilitate the willingness to harm others. Finally, Study 6 investigated whether homogeneity-based dehumanization can reduce the willingness to help victims of tragedy. Together, the Studies presented in this dissertation provide evidence for the novel hypothesis that perceiving others as homogeneous can lead to dehumanization, an effect that has important downstream ramifications.
Kurt Hugenberg (Committee Chair)
Jonathan Kunstman (Committee Member)
Allen McConnell (Committee Member)
Eric Stenstrom (Committee Member)
67 p.
Social Psychology
homogeneity; mind perception; dehumanization; group processes

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Deska, J. C. (2018). They’re all the same to me: Homogeneous groups are denied mind [Doctoral dissertation, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1521814532340695

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Deska, Jason. They’re all the same to me: Homogeneous groups are denied mind. 2018. Miami University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1521814532340695.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Deska, Jason. "They’re all the same to me: Homogeneous groups are denied mind." Doctoral dissertation, Miami University, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1521814532340695

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

miami1521814532340695
587
© 2018, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.