Regardless of race, language and religion : is discrimination non-existent in Singapore ?

• Main Author: Tan, Hui Min
• Other Authors: Gianluca Esposito
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2017
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/70590
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This study is designed to examine the types of in-group identification processes that occur within a vibrant polyculture society such as Singapore. Past literature indicates that in-group identification is dynamic and flexible. Categorization results in distinct preferences that can be expressed and measured through automatic and controlled responses. This study aims to assess the generalizability, to local context, of past research on dynamic categorization and interaction of automatic and controlled processes. 2 studies were conducted, both measuring automatic visuo-physiological and neurophysiological responses upon stimuli exposure followed by a questionnaire to measure higher-order cognitive evaluation. Hypotheses: (H1) No significant Own-Race effect (ORE) reflected in physiological measures amongst participants when assessing own- and cross-race adults; (H2) Higher-order cognitive behavioural response should synchronize with physiological response [i.e. no ORE reflected in both automatic and controlled responses]; & (H3) No dissociation between immediate physiological responses and higher-order cognitive responses with regards to exposure to baby stimuli. In Study 1, eye-tracker was used to gather pupillometry results. In Study 2, EEG was used to gather ERP results. Results in Study 2 support Study 1 in classifying Arabic stimulus as the only obvious outgroup. Both studies found interactions between Faces’ Age*Faces’ Ethnicity in all responses.