Graduation Semester and Year

2008

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Psychology

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Jared B Kenworthy

Abstract

Three experiments were conducted to explore the effects of group member defection (versus control) on reactions by ingroup members. In Study 1, emotional reactions were less positive toward defectors than toward controls, especially as a function of Ingroup Identification. In Studies 2 and 3, target Commitment level (low or high) to the group was added as a factor in the experimental design, and participants were led to believe that they would be having a discussion with either a highly or less committed ingroup member, or with either a (previously) highly or less committed defector. In Studies 2 and 3, Ingroup Identification negatively predicted evaluations of defectors but not of ingroup members, whereas Commitment positively predicted evaluations of ingroup members but not of defectors. In Study 3, group needs mediated the link between Membership Status (ingroup member versus defector) and target ratings. Theoretical and practical contributions of these findings are discussed.

Disciplines

Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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