American National Identification: Does it Predict Prejudice?

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2014-04-15
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Goldina, Alexandra
Lager, Clara
Berrier, Brittany
Zhang, Xiaoyun
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Psychology
The Department of Psychology may prepare students with a liberal study, or for work in academia or professional education for law or health-services. Graduates will be able to apply the scientific method to human behavior and mental processes, as well as have ample knowledge of psychological theory and method.
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Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression
Iowa State University Conferences and Symposia

The Symposium provides undergraduates from all academic disciplines with an opportunity to share their research with the university community and other guests through conference-style oral presentations. The Symposium represents part of a larger effort of Iowa State University to enhance, support, and celebrate undergraduate research activity.

Though coordinated by the University Honors Program, all undergraduate students are eligible and encouraged to participate in the Symposium. Undergraduates conducting research but not yet ready to present their work are encouraged to attend the Symposium to learn about the presentation process and students not currently involved in research are encouraged to attend the Symposium to learn about the broad range of undergraduate research activities that are taking place at ISU.

The first Symposium was held in April 2007. The 39 students who presented research and their mentors collectively represented all of ISU's Colleges: Agriculture and Life Sciences, Business, Design, Engineering, Human Sciences, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate College. The event has grown to regularly include more than 100 students presenting on topics that span the broad range of disciplines studied at ISU.

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Psychology
Abstract

There has been growing evidence that ingroup identification is multidimensional (Leidner et. al. 2010). Higher overall ingroup identification has been shown to lead to stronger intergroup bias (e.g., Aberson et al., 2000). On the other hand, past research indicates that ingroup identification does not necessarily lead to outgroup hate (Brewer, 1999). The goal of this study was to explore how different types of American identification relate to attitudes towards Muslims. A correlational study was conducted in a sample of 716 American students (average age 20 years, 47% male). Participants completed several measures of national identification and explicit prejudice towards Muslims. Participants also completed the Implicit Association Test to assess their implicit attitudes towards Muslims (Greenwald, McGhee, & Schwartz, 1998). Traits related to glorification of one's country (glorification, nationalism and social dominance) were correlated with greater implicit and explicit prejudice towards Muslims. On the other hand, traits related to attachment to one's country (patriotism and commitment) were associated with lower implicit and explicit prejudice towards Muslims. These findings suggest that different types of American identity differentially predict implicit and explicit prejudice towards Muslims. Not all aspects of identification have the same negative effects on attitudes towards outgroups.

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