Out-group members can be preferred information sources for factual questions

Evidence

Research has shown, for example, that individuals are more likely to discuss shared knowledge (aspects of what they know is part of their common knowledge) compared to unshared information (their distinctive or unique knowledge). This tendency contributes to what has been called the “common knowledge effect” (see Strasser, 1999, for a review). Because of this common knowledge effect, when uncommon information does happen to be introduced into a discussion the discussion of that information tends to be more cursory or muted. In short, distinctive and potentially valuable information tends to be undervalued and utilized. — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 1981 (#complicates, via linked claim)

As anticipated by Allport, research has shown that a series of stringent conditions need to be met in order to change people’s views about social groups. Clearly, one has to do more than provide information about members of a stigmatized group when attempting to change people’s representations about this group (Gaertner & Dovidio, 2000), if only because perceivers are biased in their incorporation of group-attribute covariations (Hamilton & Gifford, 1976; but see McGarty, 2002). — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1162 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Groups systematically discuss shared knowledge while undervaluing their most distinctive information; Groups systematically undervalue distinctive information that only one member holds — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 1981; Group source credibility determines whether high identifiers accept versus dismiss negative ingroup history. — Nyla R. Branscombe and Bertjan Doosje (eds.), Collective Guilt: International…, 704 (+1 more)

Broader Connections

• Groups systematically undervalue distinctive information that only one member holds #complicates (0.85) — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 1981
• Groups systematically discuss shared knowledge while undervaluing their most distinctive information #complicates (0.82)
• Providing group information alone cannot change stereotypes #complicates (0.75) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1162