| Abstract | Previous research has shown that attitudes can polarize in response to new information that is objectively neutral, or even without new information, through mere thought. The present studies tested whether one specific type of thought—generalizing from knowledge that a group displayed specific personality traits in one type of setting to their trait-relevant behavior in additional settings—might polarize attitudes toward that group. We gave participants in three experiments initial information about (fictitious) migrant caravans who wanted to enter the United States. The initial information concerned traits the group displayed in a specific type of setting. Participants thought it highly likely the group’s traits would generalize to additional settings. Compared to rehearsing the information given, generalizing polarized both negative (Experiment 1) and positive (Experiment 2) impressions, opposition to admitting the group into the U. S., willingness to socialize with its members, and willingness to do business with them. Generalizing from negative information also affected judgments that the group would engage in immoral behaviors (Experiment 3). The results support construal theories of attitudes and may be applicable to real world instances of self-radicalization. |
