Being better by being right: Subjective group dynamics and derogation of in-group deviants when generic norms are undermined

The authors predicted that derogation of group deviants depends on the exte nt to which in-group norms or values are validated or undermined in a socia l context. In Experiment I participants were less tolerant and derogated in -group deviants more when other in-group members opposed the norm. In Exper iment 2 participants derogated in-group deviants more than out-group devian ts and than noncategorized individuals, but only when normative in-group me mbers lacked uniformity. In Experiment 3 participants derogated in-group de viants more when there was uncertainty about in-group superiority. These re sults are consistent with previous research on the black sheep effect (J. M . Marques, V. Y. Yzerbyt, & J.-P. Leyens, 1988) and with the model of subje ctive group dynamics (D. Abrams, J. M. Marques, N. J. Bown, & M. Henson, 20 00; J. M. Marques, D. Abrams, D. Paez, & C. Martinez-Taboada, 1998).