No. 83 · People · Sociology
Out-Group Bias
We judge outsiders more harshly, and a simple team name is enough to start it.
In the Almanac
“Robbers Cave”, 1954 · “AOL Time Warner”, 2000–2002
Both stories in full, three ways to use it and where it misleads.
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Questions
What is Out-Group Bias?
Out-group bias is our tendency to view people outside our own group with suspicion, trusting them less and reading their actions in the worst light. Even groups formed minutes ago can trigger it.
How do you avoid Out-Group Bias?
To counter it, judge ideas on their merits, not their source. Build shared goals with other groups, and seek out thoughtful voices who see the world differently.
When does Out-Group Bias matter?
Out-Group Bias is one of the 60 mental models for people, the situations where you ask: Why do people act as they do, and how do I work with them? Within that, it belongs to “How we judge others”, alongside False Consensus Effect, Fundamental Attribution Error and Halo Effect.
What is an example of Out-Group Bias?
Two stories show it at work: Robbers Cave (1954) and AOL Time Warner (2000–2002). Both are told in full in The Mental Models Daily Almanac, which has two stories for each of its 365 models.
Which mental models are related to Out-Group Bias?
In-Group Favouritism, Zero-Sum vs Win-Win and Tendency to Stereotype. Out-Group Bias itself comes from sociology.