Equal perceptual error can mask sharply opposed attributions for group differences

Evidence

Perhaps as important as the degree of accuracy in social perception are the attributions made for group differences. Suppose one were to ask perceivers about racial disparities in high-school dropout rates. And these estimates were then compared with actual rates. It may well be the case that perceivers (particularly white majority participants) would overestimate the differences between racial groups. Yet this stereotypic exaggeration might be only part of the story. To aptly characterize the intergroup dynamics operating, it would be important to know not only how accurate perceptions are, but what attributions are made for perceived differences. Two perceivers may be inaccurate to exactly the same extent but one may believe the group differences are caused by poverty and an unsupportive social environment, whereas the other may believe the group differences reflect an underlying difference in intellectual ability. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 893