Authors: Sarah E. Gaither, Evan P. Apfelbaum, Hannah J. Birnbaum, Laura G. Babbitt, and Samuel R. Sommers
Abstract: Three studies assessed the impact of White individuals’ mere membership in racially diverse or homogeneous groups on conformity. In Study 1, White participants were randomly assigned to four-person groups that were racially diverse or homogeneous in which three confederates routinely endorsed clearly inferior college applicants for admission. Participants in diverse groups were significantly less likely to conform than those in homogeneous groups. Study 2 replicated these results using an online conformity paradigm, thereby isolating the effects of racial group composition from concomitant social cues in face-to-face settings. Study 3 presented a third condition—a diverse group that included one other White member. Individuals conformed less in both types of diverse groups as compared with the homogeneous group. Evidence suggests this was because Whites in homogeneous (vs. diverse) settings were more likely to reconsider their original decision after learning how other group members responded.
Key Findings
- When White participants were randomly assigned to groups that were racially diverse or homogeneous, the participants in diverse groups were significantly less likely to conform (and choose an inferior candidate) than those in homogeneous groups.
- Moreover, when the diverse group included just one other White member, individuals conformed less than in the homogeneous setting.
- The evidence suggests that Whites in homogeneous (vs. diverse) settings were more likely to reconsider their original decision after learning how other group members responded.