An individual\u27s identity involves membership in various groups, such as gender or race. Previous research on stereotyping has shown that while groups are often attributed with both positive and negative characteristics, certain groups are overall viewed more negatively. For example, past research regarding race has found overwhelming support for pro-White attitudes and more negative attitudes associated with minority groups. Religion is a group which may form part of the basis for one\u27s identity and research has shown generally positive attitudes associated with religion and those affiliated with various religions, with negative Muslim-associated biases standing as the primary and consistent exception. Finally, because individuals strive to maintain a positive self-view, research has shown that they tend to rate their in-group more positively. The current study seeks to explore the relationship between race and religious affiliation on person perception. Specifically, members of a primarily White, Catholic, private university were shown images of either a White or Middle Eastern individual and half in each condition were also provided with a manipulation of religious affiliation as either Catholic or Muslim (consistent with race). It was expected that the White Catholic participants would rate the White Catholic man most positively and the Middle Eastern Muslim man the least positively, however the data were inconsistent with this prediction. Specifically, the Middle Eastern individual was rated more positively than the White individual, and the non-religious Middle Eastern individual was rated higher than both the White conditions. Potential reasons for this surprising result are discussed along with limitations and future directions
