The importance of out-group characteristics for the own-group face memory bias. Issue 4 (21st April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fuller, Elizabeth A.; Majolo, Bonaventura; Flack, Tessa R.; Ritchie, Kay L.
• Is Part Of: Visual cognition. Volume 29:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: 263
• Page End: 276
• Publication Date: 2021-04-21
• Subjects: Face recognition -- face memory -- own group bias; Visual perception -- Periodicals; Cognition -- Periodicals; Vision -- Periodicals; 152.14
• DOI: 10.1080/13506285.2021.1905125
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1350-6285

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The own-group bias (OGB) in face recognition refers to the finding that in-group faces are recognized with greater accuracy than out-group faces. Current literature emphasizes the importance of in-group characteristics for the OGB. Across two experiments we explored the importance of both in-group and out-group characteristics. Using an old/new task, Experiment 1 categorized faces by university membership and found no evidence of the OGB or a relationship between the OGB and attitudes towards the in-group. Experiment 2 used real-world categories of football (soccer) teams, with the out-group representing a high or low threat to the in-group. Here we found an out-group disadvantage (rather than an in-group advantage) only when the out-group was low threat, and a relationship between out-group but not in-group attitudes and the size of the OGB. These findings suggest that the characteristics of the out-group can be more important than the in-group in modulating the OGB.