Outgroup homogeneity effects 1
Perceived Outgroup Homogeneity: Factors Contributing to Perceived Similarities in
Attitudes toward People with AIDS and by Gender and Sexual Orientation
Abstract
This study assesses the prevalence of health outgroup homogeneity effects in college
students. This study used a quasi-experimental survey design (N = 485) to examine the
relationship between three within-subject factors type of disease (AIDS vs. cancer),
sexual orientation (homosexual vs. heterosexual), target person sex (male vs. female) and
one between-subject factor, respondent sex (male vs. female). Outgroup homogeneity
effects were examined on four dimensions: appearance, interests, occupation, and
personality. Sexual orientation (heterosexual), topic of the disease (cancer), respondent
sex (female) and target person sex (female) emerged as stronger predictors of outgroup
homogeneity effects. That is, female respondents perceived more homogeneity in female
target persons, heterosexuals and people with cancer. In addition, interaction effects were
found for respondent sex and target person sexual orientation such that female
respondents perceived heterosexuals as being more similar on all four dimensions of
outgroup homogeneity effect. Implications and directions for future research are
discussed.
Key words: AIDS stigma, cancer, intergroup homogeneity effects: outgroup and ingroup,
sexual orientation, stereotyping
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