Harper is 35 years old, and he has just enrolled in his first university course. On the first day of class he looks over the individuals in the room, and sits next to another male student who appears to be in his early 30s. In this case, how did Harper classify the other student?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Harper classified the other student as a member of his ingroup based on their shared characteristic of being male and around the same age. This is a common way for individuals to create social connections and reduce feelings of uncertainty in new situations. Harper may have also made assumptions about the other student's level of experience based on their age, but the most immediate classification would be based on ingroup membership.

Harper Is 35 Years Old, and He Has Just Enrolled