Inter- and intragroup impressions : the role of uncertainty on the impressions of groups and their leaders

• Main Author: Samson, Shirley
• Published: University of Kent 2011
• Subjects: 305
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.589999

This thesis investigated the role of uncertainty on the impressions of groups and their leaders within an inter- and intra-group context. The thesis argues that uncertainty motivates identification, particularly identification with groups that are higher in entitativity. Uncertain times bring about uncertainty in people's lives, as well as strengthen identification with groups that are perceived to be more similar to one's own views. From an intergroup perspective, times and situations of uncertainty make people try to simplify the people or groups whom they are rating more by typecasting. This is associated with the relationship the target has with the rater's ingroup. Three chapters establishing a theoretical framework for Social Identity Theory, Uncertainty-Identity Theory, and the Stereotype Content Model- Image Theory are presented. Eight studies are reported, including 4 correlational studies and 4 experimental studies. Chapters IV and VII's studies focused on the roles of uncertainty and identification on the impressions of political parties and their leaders from an intragroup context, around times of political changes.