Final answer:
Research into children's racial attitudes suggests ingroup favoritism and outgroup prejudice occur early in life, but the interaction between these phenomena is complex. Confirmation bias reinforces prejudice, while strategies like superordinate goals and jigsaw classrooms can reduce it. Implicit attitudes may reveal biases not apparent in explicit attitudes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Research shows that ingroup favoritism and outgroup prejudice are both aspects of social categorization where individuals prefer their own group (ingroup) over those to which they do not belong (outgroup). These aspects often emerge in early childhood and can be influenced by societal norms and personal experiences.
While some researchers suggest that ingroup favoritism may emerge before outgroup prejudice, the dynamics between the two can be complex. Confirmation bias plays a role in perpetuating stereotypes and prejudice, as it leads individuals to seek out information that confirms their existing beliefs and ignore contradictory evidence.
In the context of reducing prejudice, strategies such as focusing on superordinate goals and creating environments that foster positive interaction among diverse groups, like the jigsaw classroom technique, have been found to be effective.
By promoting cooperation and understanding between groups, it is possible to mitigate the effects of prejudice and discrimination, as individuals come to view others in a more positive light. This approach aligns with the dual attitudes model, which posits that while explicit attitudes may not show extreme bias, implicit attitudes can reveal underlying prejudices that are not as easily controlled.