Examining perceived ingroup similarity and outgroup dissimilarity as predictors of religious intergroup bias

UND Columbia Hall, 1350

People tend to feel more favorably toward others who share their beliefs and values. Religion can provide a quick estimate of ideological similarity. Accordingly, recent studies suggest that religious and nonreligious individuals exhibit prejudice toward one another. The religious values 7 conflict model proposes that religious intergroup bias is due to perceived dissimilarity in values. However, the role of perceived dissimilarity in predicting religious intergroup bias has not been directly tested. The current study (N = 326) was designed to replicate past research on the religious values conflict model and extend it by examining the respective roles of perceived ingroup and outgroup (dis)similarity in predicting religious intergroup bias. The initial replication was successful. However, further examination showed that greater ingroup similarity, not greater outgroup dissimilarity, predicted attitudes toward religious outgroups. These results suggest that, contrary to the religious values conflict model, perceived outgroup dissimilarity is not responsible for religious intergroup bias.