ggression between groups, in contrast, is the result of different variables than for an individual psychopath. Ethnocentrism is the view of ones own group as superior and looks down upon other groups as outsiders. It is an ineradicable psychological process, caused by each individuals effort to achieve and maintain a positive self-image. Another factor, stereotypes, are shared conceptions of the character of a group. Due to ethnocentric influence, the in-group profiles tend to be more favorable than those of the out-group, often becoming the explanation for intergroup aggression. Finally, an unfair or unjust disadvantage or frustration is perceived between two groups, when they are similar enough to compare their outcomes (Brown, 1986). As a contributing factor to intergroup aggression, the application of stereotypes is important. The formation of stereotypes is apparently a result of a human need to categorize, and tends to reflect some characteristic that is somewhat prevalent among the observed group, and is therefore seen as a base rate within the group. Without any information about individual group members, stereotypes tend to influence behavior toward the group and its individual members. When additional information is known about members of the group however, stereotypes may still affect decisions concerning the treatment of members of the group. When stereotyping does affect behavior, ideological and social beliefs tend to determine whether its influence is implicit or explicit (Brown, 1986). Implicitness, is a result of spontaneous, effortless activation of knowledge contents that is driven by cues in the stimulus environment rather than by an active memory search. (Wittenbrink, Judd, & Park, 1997, 263). Explicitness, in contrast, is due ...
