Compatriot and foreigner: A study of impression formation in three countries.

An experimental study of the process that is called "the formation of first impression… . Our first and perhaps the most general hypothesis is that if objects that are alike in all respects save one are considered together, their difference in this one respect will be more critical in the impression one forms of the objects. Three identical triplets, differing only in the color of tie they are sporting, will be seen and interpreted more in terms of their tie-wearing habits than would be the case if each one were encountered singly and without the possibility of a simultaneous comparison. A corollary of this hypothesis to which we have addressed ourselves is: If in forming impressions of foreigners and compatriots one is thinking in a comparative context, with the different nationalities in mind while forming one's impression, then the degree to which nationality will influence the impressions formed will be increased." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)