Science through a tribal lens: A group-based account of polarization over scientific facts

2021 ◽  
pp. 136843022110503
Author(s):  
Angelo Fasce ◽  
Jesús Adrián-Ventura ◽  
Stephan Lewandowsky ◽  
Sander van der Linden
Keyword(s):  
Group Processes ◽  
Psychological Theory ◽  
Perceived Threat ◽  
Need To Belong ◽  
General Applicability ◽  
Intergroup Anxiety ◽  
Scientific Facts ◽  
Group Belongingness ◽  
Outgroup Derogation ◽  
Threat Theory

Previous research has confirmed the prominent role of group processes in the promotion and endorsement of disinformation. We report three studies on a psychological framework derived from integrated threat theory—a psychological theory which describes how perceived threat leads to group polarization and prejudice—composed of the following constructs: group belongingness, perceived threat, outgroup derogation, and intergroup anxiety. Our pilot study suggested that need to belong and intergroup anxiety predict antiscientific beliefs (pseudoscientific, paranormal, and conspiracy theories), thus justifying the general applicability of integrated threat theory. Study 1 investigates the transition from weak to strong critical thinking regarding pseudoscientific doctrines. Besides greater outgroup derogation and perceived threats among strong critical thinkers, the model does not perform well in this context. Study 2 focuses on the intergroup conflict around anthropogenic global warming, revealing the strong predictive power of the model. These results are discussed in relation to the distinctive psychological profiles of science acceptance and rejection.

Intergroup Threat and Outgroup Attitudes: A Meta-Analytic Review

2006 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 336-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blake M. Riek ◽  
Eric W. Mania ◽  
Samuel L. Gaertner
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Intergroup Threat ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Intergroup Anxiety ◽  
Analytic Review ◽  
Integrated Approaches ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Group Esteem ◽  
Threat Theory

This article examines the relationship between intergroup threat and negative outgroup attitudes. We first qualitatively review the intergroup threat literature, describing the shift from competing theories toward more integrated approaches, such as the integrated threat theory (ITT; W. G. Stephan & Stephan, 2000). The types of threats discussed include: realistic threat, symbolic threat, intergroup anxiety, negative stereotypes, group esteem threat, and distinctiveness threat. We then conducted a quantitative meta-analysis examining the relationships between various intergroup threats and outgroup attitudes. The meta-analysis, involving 95 samples, revealed that 5 different threat types had a positive relationship with negative outgroup attitudes. Additionally, outgroup status moderated some of these relationships. Implications and future directions are considered.

A Successive Threat Theory of Police Expenditures

2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (11) ◽  
pp. 1507-1532
Author(s):  
Jeffrey B. Snipes ◽  
Edward R. Maguire ◽  
Xia Wang
Keyword(s):  
Minority Groups ◽  
Conflict Theory ◽  
Perceived Threat ◽  
Annual Data ◽  
Minority Threat ◽  
Ethnic Succession ◽  
Ethnic Migration ◽  
Primary Contribution ◽  
Threat Theory ◽  
Succession Theory

Ethnic succession theory is concerned with the process and consequences of racial and ethnic migration into and out of cities. Minority threat theory is a branch of conflict theory that is concerned with the extent to which racial and ethnic minorities are perceived as threatening to the powerful. In this article, we propose a blend of these theories called successive threat theory which posits that racial and ethnic groups are perceived as threatening when they first move into a city, but as they assimilate, the perceived threat dissipates. The primary contribution of this theory is the previously undeveloped and untested notion that different minority groups may serve as threats in different time periods. Using time series analysis of annual data on Chicago from 1893 to 1965, we find support for the theory.

Integrated Threat Theory

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen M. Croucher
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Intergroup Anxiety ◽  
Explanatory Factors ◽  
Group Experiences ◽  
History Of ◽  
Prejudice And Discrimination ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Threat Theory

Despite rises in immigration and attempts to manage immigration, anti-immigrant threat and prejudice remains a major concern at the individual and societal levels, and often surfaces as a key political, economic, and social issue. Research shows anti-immigrant prejudice is widepread. One of the explanatory factors for widespread anti-immigrant attitudes is threat perception. Attitudes towards immigrants and immigration have become less positive amidst the outbreak of the current refugee crises in Europe. This can lead to many anti-immigration demonstrations and to anti-immigration sentiment. Many nonimmigrants worry about the economic burden immigrants pose to society and the potential danger immigrants represent to the dominant culture and society. Overall, research shows that believing people from other cultures are a threat to one’s own culture and survival leads to prejudice and discrimination. Stephan and Stephan’s integrated threat theory (ITT) offers an explanation to these feelings of threat. ITT proposes that prejudice and negative attitudes towards immigrants and out-groups is explained by four types of threats: realistic threat, symbolic threat, negative stereotype, and intergroup anxiety. Realistic threats are to the physical well-being and the economic and political power of the in-group; symbolic threats arise due to cultural differences in values, morals, and worldview of the out-group; negative stereotypes arise from negative stereotypes the in-group has about the out-group; and intergroup anxiety refers to anxiety the in-group experiences in the process of interaction with members of the out-group, especially when both groups have had a history of antagonism.

scholarly journals Disentangling Islamophobia: The differential effects of symbolic, realistic, and terroristic threat perceptions as mediators between social dominance orientation and Islamophobia

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatih Uenal
Keyword(s):  
Social Dominance ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Social Dominance Orientation ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Perceived Threat ◽  
One Dimensional ◽  
Multidimensional Construct ◽  
Threat Perceptions ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Threat Theory

The aim of this paper is threefold. First, based on ongoing theoretical discussions on the dimensionality of Islamophobia, this study analyzes whether Islamophobia empirically constitutes a one-dimensional construct or rather a multidimensional construct consisting of anti-Muslim prejudice and anti-Islam sentiment. Second, the effects of symbolic, realistic, and terroristic (safety) threats on Islamophobia were analyzed concurrently. Finally, within the framework of the revised Integrated Threat Theory (Stephan & Renfro, 2002), and in order to test the mediating effect of threats, SDO is tested as an antecedent of perceived threat and Islamophobia. Respondents from Berlin (N = 355) participated in an online survey. The results indicate that Islamophobia empirically constitutes a two-dimensional phenomenon, consisting of anti-Muslim and anti-Islam sentiment. Whereas symbolic threat is related to both types of Islamophobia, realistic threat is associated only with anti-Muslim prejudice, and terroristic threat is associated only with anti-Islam sentiment. Finally, the results indicate that the relationship between SDO and both dimensions of Islamophobia is mediated by threats. Symbolic threats mediate the relationships between SDO and both dimensions of Islamophobia. Realistic threats mediate the relationship between SDO and anti-Muslim prejudice and terroristic threats between SDO and anti-Islam sentiment.

Women's Attitudes Toward Men: an Integrated Threat Theory Approach

2000 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cookie White Stephan ◽  
Walter G. Stephan ◽  
Katherine M. Demitrakis ◽  
Ann Marie Yamada ◽  
Dennis L. Clason
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Economic Power ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Threat Model ◽  
Intergroup Anxiety ◽  
Value Differences ◽  
Men 1 ◽  
Threat Theory

Three studies were conducted to measure the antecedents of women's attitudes toward men using the integrated threat model. Four types of threats were hypothesized to produce negative attitudes toward men: (1) realistic threat based on threats to women's political and economic power, (2) symbolic threat based on value differences, (3) intergroup anxiety experienced during social interaction with outgroup members, and (4) negative stereotypes of men. Negative contact was hypothesized to increase the perception of all four threats as well as to affect attitudes directly. The findings suggest that symbolic threat, intergroup anxiety, and negative contact are the strongest predictors of negative attitudes toward men. Contrary to expectation, realistic threat may not be important to women's attitudes toward men.

scholarly journals Classical and Modern Prejudice toward Asylum Seekers: The Mediating Role of Intergroup Anxiety in a Sample of Italians

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
Rocco Servidio
Keyword(s):  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Intergroup Anxiety ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Intergroup Relationships ◽  
Modern Prejudice ◽  
Antecedents And Consequences ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Threat Theory

(1) Background: Increasing waves of immigration have not only changed the demographic features of European societies but have also had important implications for intergroup relationships. Based on the theoretical model of intergroup threat theory, this study examined whether and to what extent intergroup anxiety mediates the relationship between antecedents and attitudes toward asylum seekers. (2) Method: In a sample of 470 Italians (mean age 30.21), using a survey-based study, we assessed the antecedent of intergroup anxiety (national identification) and its consequences (classical and modern prejudice). (3) Results: The results supported most of the expected predictions. While intergroup anxiety was positively associated with prejudice toward asylum seekers, national identity was positively related to intergroup anxiety and prejudice. Moreover, the relationships between antecedents and consequences were mediated by intergroup anxiety. (4) Conclusion: This study has identified antecedents that can potentially increase or decrease intergroup anxiety and proposes certain strategies for improving social inclusion policies and relationships between asylum seekers and settled communities. The implications for future studies are discussed.

Structural preservation and absolute contrast of catalase crystal sections prepared with tannic acid

1983 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 448-449
Author(s):  
C.W. Akey ◽  
M. Szalay ◽  
S.J. Edelstein
Keyword(s):  
Tannic Acid ◽  
Beef Heart ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Screw Axis ◽  
General Applicability ◽  
Thin Sections ◽  
Beef Liver ◽  
3 Dimensional ◽  
Dimensional Reconstruction ◽  
Structural Preservation

Three methods of obtaining 20 Å resolution in sectioned protein crystals have recently been described. They include tannic acid fixation, low temperature embedding and grid sectioning. To be useful for 3-dimensional reconstruction thin sections must possess suitable resolution, structural fidelity and a known contrast. Tannic acid fixation appears to satisfy the above criteria based on studies of crystals of Pseudomonas cytochrome oxidase, orthorhombic beef liver catalase and beef heart F1-ATPase. In order to develop methods with general applicability, we have concentrated our efforts on a trigonal modification of catalase which routinely demonstrated a resolution of 40 Å. The catalase system is particularly useful since a comparison with the structure recently solved with x-rays will permit evaluation of the accuracy of 3-D reconstructions of sectioned crystals.Initially, we re-evaluated the packing of trigonal catalase crystals studied by Longley. Images of the (001) plane are of particular interest since they give a projection down the 31-screw axis in space group P3121. Images obtained by the method of Longley or by tannic acid fixation are negatively contrasted since control experiments with orthorhombic catalase plates yield negatively stained specimens with conditions used for the larger trigonal crystals.

Alternative approaches to ultra-high resolution imaging

1991 ◽  
Vol 49 ◽  
pp. 650-651
Author(s):  
J.M. Cowley
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
High Voltage ◽  
High Resolution Electron Microscopy ◽  
Crystal Defects ◽  
High Resolution Imaging ◽  
General Applicability ◽  
Resolution Electron ◽  
Radiation Resistant ◽  
Resolution Imaging ◽  
Alternative Approaches

By extrapolation of past experience, it would seem that the future of ultra-high resolution electron microscopy rests with the advances of electron optical engineering that are improving the instrumental stability of high voltage microscopes to achieve the theoretical resolutions of 1Å or better at 1MeV or higher energies. While these high voltage instruments will undoubtedly produce valuable results on chosen specimens, their general applicability has been questioned on the basis of the excessive radiation damage effects which may significantly modify the detailed structures of crystal defects within even the most radiation resistant materials in a period of a few seconds. Other considerations such as those of cost and convenience of use add to the inducement to consider seriously the possibilities for alternative approaches to the achievement of comparable resolutions.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document