RESEARCH PAPERS
The aim of this project is to determine how the effects of intergroup contact on attitudes towards outgroups depend on the passage of time. While other fields of science (e.g. biology or chemistry) are very precise in specifying the time frames within which the phenomena they study occur, in psychology the amount of time required for one phenomenon to influence another is rarely the subject of systematic reflection. By seeking to establish how much time is needed for intergroup contact to improve attitudes towards outgroups, and how lasting such changes are, this project may help to address this gap.
The project comprises seven studies organised into four research streams. Stream 1 involves a three-wave online longitudinal survey. Stream 2 consists of three experimental studies focusing on the effects of indirect contact, that is, contact that does not involve face-to-face interaction in close physical proximity. Among other issues, these studies will examine the factors responsible for the decline of vicarious contact effects, which arise from observing an interaction between an ingroup member and an outgroup member, for example through the media. Stream 3 involves an experiment examining whether respectful virtual contact between representatives of two sides of a political divide, during which intergroup differences and similarities are discussed, leads to a lasting reduction in prejudice towards political opponents. Stream 4 comprises two intensive longitudinal studies designed to determine whether the effects of spontaneous intergroup contact outside the laboratory are similar to those observed under highly controlled conditions.
The main outcome of the project will be a better understanding of the role of time in shaping the effects of intergroup contact. The proposed studies will make it possible, among other things, to: a) determine how much time is needed for intergroup contact to bring about changes in emotions, beliefs, and behaviour towards outgroups; b) establish at which stages of intergroup acquaintance contact has the strongest effects on negative and positive attitudes towards outgroups; c) examine the durability of the effects of direct and vicarious intergroup contact; d) identify individual differences that make the effects of intergroup contact diminish or persist over time; and e) expand the list of factors that determine the effectiveness of intergroup contact. In addition, the project will provide recommendations for social scientists planning longitudinal studies of intergroup contact.
As a result of the project, at least five scientific articles will be prepared and submitted to journals indexed in the Journal Citation Reports (JCR). Finally, the project will produce materials (e.g. recordings) and information useful to practitioners working in anti-discrimination education.
FUNDER
National Science Centre, Poland
PROJECT NUMBER
2023/51/D/HS6/02437
PROJECT PERIOD
2024-2027
FUNDING
1 140 127 PLN
ABOUT THE PROJECT
CONFERENCE TALKS
OTHER FORMS OF DISSEMINATION
Intergroup Contact Research Network - Karlsruhe 2026
BLOG POSTS
The asymptotic model of intergroup contact