The stereotype content model: The role played by competence in inferring group status

In the context of the Stereotype Content Model, we investigated the "backward" inferential process that leads from competence stereotype to structural attribute of status. Three hypotheses were tested: (1) perceived competence affects attributions of status; (2) the less competent group is perceived as warmer (compensation effect); (3) membership leads to ingroup status enhancement. Two minimal groups were created; groups' competence and membership were manipulated. Findings supported the hypotheses: group status was rated higher when the target group was described as competent; groups were rated warmer when lower in competence; group status was rated higher by members than non-members.