# Learning reduces ingroup bias more with perceived losses than gains across cultures

## TL;DR

The study shows that learning from negative interactions with one's own group can reduce bias toward the group, and this effect varies by culture and personal identification.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a novel application of reinforcement learning models to study how cultural differences modulate ingroup bias reduction through perceived losses.

## Key findings

- Western participants reduced initial ingroup bias after negative prediction errors in loss frames.
- East Asians showed similar learning only when ingroup identification was low.
- Learning from negative interactions reduces ingroup bias across cultures.

## Abstract

Cultural background shapes intergroup impressions. While previous evidence suggests collectivistic cultures show stronger ingroup bias, cultural effects on impression formation processes remain unexplored. Here, we used reinforcement learning models to examine changes in intergroup impressions within gain and loss frames across individualistic (Western) and collectivistic (East Asian) cultures. Participants interacted with ingroup or outgroup individuals who increased (Gain) or decreased (Loss) their earnings, with identical net outcomes. Impression ratings were taken pre- and post-interaction. Results revealed higher ingroup identification in East Asians and initial ingroup bias in both cultures. Westerners learned to reduce this initial ingroup bias based on a learning signal (negative prediction error) generated if an ingroup individual reduced their earnings (i.e., Loss frame). East Asians showed the same learning mechanism, but only with low ingroup identification. Together, we show that learning from negatively perceived ingroup interactions can decrease ingroup bias across cultures, modulated by individual ingroup identification.