Hamilton and his colleagues presented various behaviors from a majority group and a minority group. There were more positive behaviors than negative behaviors presented describing both groups. Research participants recalled more negative behaviors for the minority group than for the majority group. Hamilton called this phenomenon the
A) minority effect.
B) majority effect.
C) aberration effect.
D) illusory correlation effect.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This phenomenon is known as the illusory correlation effect, where people tend to overestimate the association between minority group status and negative behaviors, even when positive behaviors are more common. This cognitive bias leads to the incorrect perception that negative behaviors are more characteristic of the minority group than they actually are.

Hamilton and His Colleagues Presented Various Behaviors from a Majority