Question

Read the following abstract:

Previous research has shown that ostracism even by outgroup members is aversive. In this study we examined whether ostracism by a particular type of outgroup, a despised outgroup, was sufficient to inflict emotional distress. We manipulated ostracism using Cyberball, an on-line ball toss game. Ostracized participants reported lower levels of belonging, self-esteem, control, and meaningful existence, and more negative mood, than included participants. Moreover, ostracism by despised outgroup members was no less aversive than ostracism by rival outgroup or ingroup members. Participants differentiated between the groups, however; ostracized individuals reported greater outgroup negativity than included participants only when their co-players were members of the despised outgroup. We interpret these results as evidence for the powerful impact of ostracism and the potential importance of distinguishing between qualitatively different outgroups.

Question 1

After reading the abstract, answer the following questions (3 points):

• What was the question the authors were trying to ask in this study?
• What was the independent variable (IV) being tested?
• What was the dependent variable (DV) being tested?
• What do you think the authors hypothesized about the relationship between the IV and the DV?
• What were the results of the study?
• What conclusion was made?

Question 2

Imagine you are hanging out with your friends. One friend, Jay, makes a racist joke about your friend Ray's ethnic group, and you can see that it is clearly making Ray uncomfortable. Using three methods of prejudice reduction, discuss how you would deal with the situation. (3 sentences, 1 point, 1/3 point for each method)

Question 3

Describe a situation that would result in you making an external attribution about a person. Using Kelley's Covariation Theory, give examples of the personâ s behavior in terms of its consensus, distinctiveness, and consistency. (3 sentences, 1 point, 1/3 point for each description)

Answer 1

Question 1

What was the question the authors were trying to ask in this study?

The authors have asked the question that what was the effect of ostracism on the personality and emotions of members of groups.

What was the independent variable (IV) being tested?

Independent variable (IV): Cyberball (an on-line ball toss game)

What was the dependent variable (DV) being tested?

Dependent variable (DV): Emotional distress due to ostracism

What do you think the authors hypothesized about the relationship between the IV and the DV?

Author hypothesized that ostracism by a particular type of outgroup, a despised outgroup, was sufficient to inflict emotional distress.

What were the results of the study?

Following are the results of the study:

(a)Ostracized participants reported lower levels of belonging, self-esteem, control, and meaningful existence, and more negative mood, than included participants.

(b)Moreover, ostracism by despised outgroup members was no less aversive than ostracism by rival outgroup or ingroup members.

(c)Participants differentiated between the groups, however; ostracized individuals reported greater outgroup negativity than included participants only when their co-players were members of the despised outgroup.

What conclusion was made?

The conclusion was that the results obtained from this study served as an evidence for the powerful impact of ostracism and the potential importance of distinguishing between qualitatively different outgroups.