Perceivers also generate categorical explanations for whole-group behavior

Evidence

In the following section, I will discuss empirical evidence concerning various forms of category-based causal explanations. I will then argue that people not only generate categorical accounts for individuals’ behavior but also construct explanations for acts by a group as a whole. The crucial role that inferences of causality and agency play in animating perception of groups will be demonstrated. — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 110

Categorization

• XREF: The ‘group as agent’ idea connects to how outgroups get reified as dangerous actors — relevant to Allport thread on group perception.
• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 110