The explicit and implicit perception of in-group members who use stereotypes: Blatant rejection but subtle conformity

The effects that emerge when one observes an in-group member using a stereo type are investigated. It is hypothesized that, despite open disapproval (p ilot study), people are more likely to conform to such a source rather than to a source who does not rely on stereotypes. In both the reported studies , participants were presented with the description of a Northern African (a stereotyped out-group member) provided by an in-group member and were aske d to form an impression of the Northern African. The description was manipu lated to be either stereotypic or counterstereotypic. While forming the imp ression, participants were also asked to perform an unrelated estimation ta sk where the in-group member's estimates could serve as possible anchors (S tudy 1), or they were asked to judge the truthfulness of subsequent factual statements read by the in-group member (Study 2). Results from both studie s consistently show that, when the source had previously relied on the ster eotype in his description, conformity was more likely. This phenomenon is d iscussed in light of current models of stereotyping, pointing out the limit ations and suggesting some possible directions for future research. (C) 200 1 Academic Press.