Cross-sectional contact studies cannot rule out reverse causation by prejudice avoidance

Evidence

Selection bias limits the interpretation of many cross-sectional studies of contact. Instead of optimal contact reducing prejudice, the opposite causal sequence could be operating. Prejudiced people may avoid contact with outgroups. — Thomas F. Pettigrew, Intergroup Contact Theory, 29

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to classic causal-inference critiques of observational data, e.g., the healthy-user effect and endogeneity problems in econometrics.
• DEFINE: Names selection bias as the specific threat to validity in intergroup contact research.