Prejudice towards immigrants: the role of group size and perception of similarity

This research explored the role of out-group homogeneity effect and some socio-cognitive factors in the process of prejudice formation (need for cognitive closure). The material used for this study was composed of a questionnaire and a series of pictures of immigrants belonging to the 16 most numerous groups in Italy. The participants were asked to indicate the country of origin of the immigrants presented. Results revealed that participants high on prejudice towards immigrants and on need for cogintive closure perceived more similarities among members of minority groups they considered to be most numerous in Italy.