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GATE 2026 XH5 (Psychology) – Question 63

Social Psychology · Attitudes and Prejudice: Attitude formation, change and persuasion, cognitive dissonance, prejudice, discrimination · 2 marks · Multiple select

Gordon W. Allport proposed that contact will only be successful in reducing prejudice when it takes place under certain optimal conditions. He suggested that intergroup contact will reduce prejudice if:

  1. It has acquaintance potential.
  2. It takes place under the conditions of equal status.
  3. It involves co-operation towards a common goal.
  4. It involves simply bringing people from different groups together.

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (A) It has acquaintance potential.; (B) It takes place under the conditions of equal status.; (C) It involves co-operation towards a common goal.

Explanation

Allport's contact hypothesis (with the later addition of acquaintance potential) says that contact reduces prejudice when the groups have equal status, work together towards a common goal and have the chance to get to know each other. Simply bringing people together does not do it.