Date on Senior Honors Thesis
5-2018
Document Type
Senior Honors Thesis
Degree Name
B.S.
Department
Psychological and Brain Sciences
Author's Keywords
Illusory correlation; crime; minorities; stigma
Abstract
Illusory correlation is the false perception that a relationship exists between two variables. Previous studies have shown that people sometimes perceive a relationship between minority-group members and negative characteristics, when in fact, there is no informational basis for this perception. The current study investigates whether people readily perceive a relationship between criminality and minority groups, as is sometimes seen in society. Participants learned about the behaviors of members of two groups, arbitrarily labeled S and T. The ratio of positive:negative behaviors was the same for both groups (2:1). However, participants were shown fewer statements about Group T, making it a minority group (relative to Group S). Participants were then asked to rate the members of each group on positive and negative characteristics. Participants also rated how likely group members were to commit several different criminal offenses. Results showed that participants formed an illusory correlation between the minority group members and negativity. Specifically, participants rated the minority group as less positive and more negative than the majority group. Supporting the hypothesis, participants rated minority group members as more likely to commit criminal offenses than majority group members. This finding furthers our understanding of the origins of stigma about minorities and criminality.
Recommended Citation
Carter, Rachel A., "Illusory correlation and perceived criminality." (2018). College of Arts & Sciences Senior Honors Theses. Paper 179.
Retrieved from https://ir.library.louisville.edu/honors/179
Initiation Packet with Research Approvals
Lay Summary
Illusory correlation is the false perception that a relationship exists between two variables. Previous studies have shown that people sometimes perceive a relationship between minority-group members and negative characteristics, when in fact, there is no informational basis for this perception. The current study investigates whether people readily perceive a relationship between criminality and minority groups, as is sometimes seen in society. Participants learned about the behaviors of members of two groups, arbitrarily labeled S and T. The ratio of positive:negative behaviors was the same for both groups (2:1). However, participants were shown fewer statements about Group T, making it a minority group (relative to Group S). Participants were then asked to rate the members of each group on positive and negative characteristics. Participants also rated how likely group members were to commit several different criminal offenses. Results showed that participants formed an illusory correlation between the minority group members and negativity. Specifically, participants rated the minority group as less positive and more negative than the majority group. Supporting the hypothesis, participants rated minority group members as more likely to commit criminal offenses than majority group members. This finding furthers our understanding of the origins of stigma about minorities and criminality.
