The social neuroscience approach has been particularly useful in the study of intergroup relations. The method integrates social psychology and neuroscience concepts in the evaluation of social behavior in intergroup associations. It provides a framework that connects underlying neurocognitive mechanisms to higher-level social behaviors (Amodio, 2008). In this context, social neuroscience is especially relevant in the study of implicit bias in intergroup relations. The basic components of implicit bias are difficult to assess using traditional social psychology methods. This is because the underlying constructs of implicit bias are resistant to self-examination. Self-reports are, therefore, unreliable methods of assessing inherent social behaviors.
The social neuroscience approach allows the researchers to measure the neural indicators of implicit bias, enabling them to explain certain social behaviors. For instance, studies show that evaluative forms of implicit race bias are linked to the amygdala and reflect both affective and semantic memory structures (Dovidio et al., 2008). The research findings postulate that implicit stereotyping and evaluation are influenced by the association between the two memory structures. As a result, implicit race biases vary on how they are expressed or regulated (Amodio, & Devine, 2006). Therefore, social neuroscience models allow researchers to understand the underlying components of implicit bias and their impact on social behavior.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Social neuroscience also informs the understanding of prejudice reduction methodologies. Prejudice reduction measures aim to reduce the expression of discriminatory behavior in intergroup relations. For instance, the social neuroscience approach provides a premise to reduce the strength of race-biased associations that occur in the implicit memory structures (Amodio, 2008). Also, the method provides a framework to overcome prejudice through the enhancement of self-regulation. Understanding the underlying constructs of implicit prejudice allows social psychologists to use interventions that target affective and semantic associations to reduce bias at different formation levels.
The integration of social neuroscience approach in social psychology can promote positive social change among individuals and society. For instance, understanding how implicit prejudice and stereotyping are formed and expressed among individuals allows researchers to develop methods to control and reduce the occurrence of these inherent social behaviors (Amodio, 2008). Mechanisms such as self-regulation are used to reduce the strength of intergroup biases and promote positive social interaction among individuals from different social groups.
References
Amodio, D. M. (2008). The social neuroscience of intergroup relations. European review of social psychology , 19 (1), 1-54.
Amodio, D. M., & Devine, P. G. (2006). Stereotyping and evaluation in implicit race bias: evidence for independent constructs and unique effects on behavior. Journal of personality and social psychology , 91 (4), 652.
Dovidio, J. F., Pearson, A. R., & Orr, P. (2008). Social psychology and neuroscience: Strange bedfellows or a healthy marriage?. Group Processes & Intergroup Relations , 11 (2), 247-263.
