Technological and analytical advancements in intergroup contact research

Abstract

The prolific expansion of intergroup contact research has established that intergroup interactions are tightly linked to social integration. In this review, recent technological and statistical innovations with the potential to advance this body of research are presented. First, concerns over the validity of longitudinal models are discussed before innovative analytical techniques are introduced that explore change over time. Next, intensive repeated measure designs, such as experience sampling approaches, are introduced as opportunities to investigate the day-today lives of individuals. Virtual reality technology is then presented as another means to examine naturalistic contact experiences in the laboratory, offering researchers an unrivaled capacity to induce uncommon contact experiences. Finally, we propose that additional sources of contextual data, such as competing media messages, could extend these models in innovative ways by accounting for the time and place surrounding intergroup contact. Similarly, longitudinal social network analysis can provide additional contextual information by considering the broader network environment in which contact occurs. We describe these innovations with the intention of spurring future research that will advance our understanding of how intergroup contact can be used to improve our societies. Thus, we

Can Intergroup Contact in Virtual Reality (VR) Reduce Stigmatization Against People with Schizophrenia?

“…At the same time, participants who watched the regular video showed slightly less stigma than the control group. At first glance, the negative effects of the VR video intervention are counter-intuitive, since the sensual richness and personal involvement of VR promised to make it an effective form of intergroup contact [14]. However, considering the effects of our covariates, we can offer a first explanation for this finding.…”

“…Moreover, it enables rendering the perceived scene in 3D as both eyes are provided separate screens. As such, VR allows for high levels of perceived realism and immersion during media reception [14,41].…”

“…Empirical studies that assess the effects of contact with an out-group member in VR are scarce [14]-and with regards to mental disorder such as schizophrenia, to the best of our knowledge, non-existent. This is a serious shortcoming, since exposure in VR-defined here as one-sided exposure to an affected person-should combine the advantages of direct contact with those of mediated contact.…”

“…This is a serious shortcoming, since exposure in VR-defined here as one-sided exposure to an affected person-should combine the advantages of direct contact with those of mediated contact. VR should offer levels of sensual richness and involvement-two core dimensions used to categorize different forms of intergroup contact [13]-that are much higher than in other forms of media exposure, even if they lack the interactive quality of direct contact [14]. At the same time, VR contact should not be burdened by the anxiety that is often evoked by face-to-face contact and spares affected people negative experiences, since their physical presence is not required.…”

“…We set out to test the potential of a digital technology that has not yet been in focus regarding stigmatization towards people with mental disorders: Virtual Reality (VR). The high sensual richness and involvement make VR a promising tool for intergroup contact [13,14]. In the context of mental disorders, VR technology has mainly been studied in the domain of cognitive behavioral therapy [15].…”