Illusory correlation: interplay of evaluative group impression and item-specific episodic memory

Abstract

Illusory Correlation (IC) is the perception that two events are associated with each other, when in reality they are not. The current study tested predictions of the Multiple Component Model (MCM) regarding the role different types of information (i.e., evaluative and item-specific information) play in producing the IC effect. The current study extended previous experiments on IC, particularly that by Van Rooy, Vanhoomissen and Van Overwalle (2013), in using two independent trait dimensions (i.e., Common Trait and Rare Trait), rather than the traditionally used one evaluative dimension (i.e., frequent, desirable vs. infrequent, undesirable behaviours). The MCM predicted that, judgements based on evaluative information, would result in an association between the majority group and the common trait (Majority-Common Trait), whereas the minority group would be associated with the rare trait (Minority-Rare Trait). For judgements based on item-specific ! episodic memory, the MCM predicted enhanced memory amongst participants for Minority-Rare Trait statements. Partial support was found for both predictions: Participants did develop a Majority-Common Trait association, but no particular association was formed with the minority group. Additionally, participants did show enhanced memory for Minority-Rare Trait statements. However, they also showed unexpected enhanced memory for Majority-Rare Trait statements. Together, the current results further elucidate the interplay of evaluative and item-specific information when reporting judgments on a majority and minority group respectively. The finding of a Majority-Rare Trait association however, implies the need for further studies to examine the exact nature (i.e., evaluative or episodic) of this association and its implications in causing IC.