In-group bias, the tendency to protect and support one’s group member(s), is an important psychological phenomenon that distorts access to jobs, reduces economic efficiency, and creates social...Show moreIn-group bias, the tendency to protect and support one’s group member(s), is an important psychological phenomenon that distorts access to jobs, reduces economic efficiency, and creates social segregation. The existing research on in-group bias and culture has focused on one aspect – individualism versus collectivism. This paper deals with the relationship between in-group bias and power distance, which represents the acceptance of power and influences the interaction between people, groups, organizations, and nations. The present paper will use the economic Dictator Game to investigate the interplay between power distance and in-group bias. The hypothesis that is investigated assumes that higher power distance is positively associated with in-group bias. The results of the experiment, however, report no relationship between in-group bias and power distance. The unexpected result is analyzed in more detail and followed with future suggestions for research within this field. The critical analysis of the extent to which power distance is reliable as a measurement tool in future psychological research remains a useful contribution to an underdeveloped area of research.Show less
Ingroup bias is the inclination of people to favor members of their group compared to those of an outgroup. One possible underlying mechanism behind ingroup bias is individual differences in...Show moreIngroup bias is the inclination of people to favor members of their group compared to those of an outgroup. One possible underlying mechanism behind ingroup bias is individual differences in empathy levels. Individuals high in empathy are usually more prosocial towards others. Yet, they may still act more prosocially towards members of their own group than outgroup members, leading to a specific type of ingroup bias, termed intergroup empathy bias. It is a well-established fact that gender differences exist in how individuals show empathy. This study aimed to find whether there may also be gender differences in intergroup empathy bias. This question was investigated in a university population using the dot game to divide people into minimal groups, and the dictator game to compare ingroup and outgroup giving. The results demonstrated that ingroup bias can occur in the presence of minimal groups, and females have higher empathy levels compared to males. However, these results did not translate to gender differences in intergroup empathy bias. Despite not finding a link between intergroup empathy bias and gender, this research proposes novel ideas for further testing, such as using empathy questionnaires that distinguish between different facets of empathy. It attracts attention to the importance of gender differences in empathy, especially in today’s male-centered society.Show less
