Group membership and stereotype content jointly affect neural processing during resource allocation decisions.

ABSTRACT: Both stereotypes and in/outgroup categories affect judgment and decision making, but while the former reflect socially learned generalizations about other people's characteristics, the latter specify relationships with whom it is safe to affiliate. With neuroimaging data we substantiate these distinct functions and explore how their underlying neural correlates interact to influence behavioral biases. Participants in the MRI scanner are asked to share money with recipients who are stereotyped along a warm/cold dimension and who belong either to a (minimally defined) in- or outgroup. Whole-brain univariate analyses reveal that colder stereotypes become increasingly salient when perceived groups, with heightened activity in amygdala, anterior insula, and ACC. Activation in the latter further

SUBMITTER: Diaz-Gutierrez P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12594907 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature