Ingroup overexclusion: stability of the effect

The aim of this study was to test if different levels of need to protect own social identity influence the strength of the ingroup overexclusion effect (Leyens and Yzerbyt, 1992). The relationship of Southerners/Northerners in Italy was considered; Ss were 40 Northerners. Two experimental conditions were created: in one, Ss, who played the role of recruiter in the personnel department of a firm, had to select the co-ordinator for an ingroup work team (Northern team), in the other for an outgroup work team (Southern team). 15 stimulus-persons were built, each one defined by 9 traits. The S had to decide, within the 9th trait, if the person was a Northerner or not. Only 2 significant effects were revealed: the main effect of the factor Traits and the main effect of the factor Valence. More information is requested when the stimulus-person presents the ingroup traits, when the traits are positive than when they are negative. The overexclusion effect, is, therefore, clearly confirmed and also the stronger diagnostic power of negative information.