Final answer:
Aversive prejudice is the least-studied type of intergroup attitude, as it is subtle and often held by individuals who consider themselves egalitarian. It is not overt like old-fashioned prejudice and is difficult to measure because it often contradicts an individual's explicit beliefs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of intergroup attitude that has received the least attention by researchers is aversive prejudice. Unlike old-fashioned prejudice, which is direct and overt, aversive prejudice is more subtle and often exists within individuals who believe they are non-prejudiced and hold egalitarian values. This type of prejudice is difficult to detect because it is not expressed openly but may manifest in indirect or rationalized negative behaviors and beliefs.
Notable examples include the dilemma captured by the dual attitudes model where people's explicit attitudes might not display bias, yet their implicit attitudes reveal unconscious prejudices. The lack of research in aversive prejudice could be attributed to its covert nature and the social desirability of egalitarian views, making it less obvious and harder to measure compared to more blatant forms of prejudice.
Regular strategies for reducing prejudice, such as positive intergroup contact and collaborative goal setting, may not directly address the nuances of aversive prejudice, thereby necessitating specific research focus and intervention approaches.