What is one result of in-group bias?

• A. Improved relations with out-group members
• B. Increased favoritism towards the in-group
• C. Neutral attitudes towards all groups
• D. Decreased cooperation within groups

Answer: (B)

In-group bias refers to the tendency for individuals to favor and show preferential treatment for members of their own group, which can manifest in various social contexts such as ethnicity, nationality, or even interest groups. When individuals experience in-group bias, they often exhibit increased favoritism towards their own group members, making them more likely to support them, trust them, and collaborate with them compared to those from out-groups. This tendency can reinforce group cohesion and a sense of identity among in-group members, while simultaneously creating a divide with those outside the group.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of in-group bias: improved relations with out-group members are generally unlikely in the presence of strong in-group bias, while neutral attitudes towards all groups contradict the concept of bias itself. Additionally, in-group bias typically promotes cooperation within groups rather than diminishing it. Thus, the statement about increased favoritism towards the in-group directly aligns with the established understanding of in-group bias in social psychology.