@article{DitlmannTurkoglu, author = {Ditlmann, Ruth K. and Turkoglu, Oguzhan}, title = {Authorities impact intergroup contact intentions}, series = {Political Psychology}, journal = {Political Psychology}, publisher = {Wiley}, issn = {0162-895X}, doi = {10.1111/pops.70007}, abstract = {Two studies examined the impact of authoritys positions on intentions for inter-group contact. In Study 1, a conjoint experiment with 1000 participants revealed that discouragement from government, business and church authorities strongly decreased intentions for contact with immigrants. Conversely, encouragement had a positive but weaker effect. Additionally, indirect support signaled by policies supportive versus non-supportive of immigrants increased contact intentions. Study 2, a natural field experiment with a large dataset (N = 12,489), demonstrated that the entry of a far-right party into the German federal parliament reduced majority Germans' intentions for intergroup contact with refugees. Overall, these findings underscore the crucial role of authorities in shaping intergroup contact intentions and emphasize their importance in psychological research on prejudice.}, language = {en} } @article{DitlmannFirestoneTurkoglu, author = {Ditlmann, Ruth K. and Firestone, Berenike and Turkoglu, Oguzhan}, title = {Participating in a Digital-History Project Mobilizes People for Symbolic Justice and Better Intergroup Relations Today}, series = {Psychological Science}, volume = {36}, journal = {Psychological Science}, number = {4}, publisher = {SAGE Publications}, doi = {10.1177/09567976251331040}, pages = {249 -- 264}, abstract = {Awareness of past atrocities is widely seen as critical for restoring justice and building resilient democracies. Going beyond information provision, an increasing number of memorial sites, museums, and historical archives offer opportunities for public participation. Yet little empirical evidence exists on the impact of participation in the collective remembrance of past atrocities. Two experimental studies, a field-in-the-lab study with 552 university students in Germany and an online randomized control trial with 900 digital workers in Germany, showed that participating in a large-scale, digital-history project about Nazi persecution increased peoples' collective-action intentions for further commemoration activities and for activities that strengthen intergroup relations today. These effects persisted for 2 weeks. The findings suggest that digital-history projects can motivate collective action that is critical for symbolic justice and positive intergroup relations, thus contributing to well-functioning, pluralistic democracies.}, language = {en} } @article{BarronDitlmannGehrigetal., author = {Barron, Kai and Ditlmann, Ruth K. and Gehrig, Stefan and Schweighofer-Kodritsch, Sebastian}, title = {Explicit and Implicit Belief-Based Gender Discrimination: A Hiring Experiment}, series = {Management Science}, journal = {Management Science}, issn = {0025-1909 (print)}, doi = {10.1287/mnsc.2022.01229}, abstract = {This paper studies a key element of discrimination, namely, when stereotypes translate into discriminatory actions. Using a hiring experiment, we rule out taste-based discrimination by design and test for the presence of two types of belief-based gender discrimination. We document evidence of explicit discriminators—individuals who are willing to discriminate even when their hiring choices are highly revealing of their gender-biased beliefs. Crucially, we also identify implicit discriminators—individuals who do not discriminate against women when taking a discriminatory action is highly revealing of their biased beliefs, but do discriminate against women when their biased motive is obscured. Our analysis highlights the central role played by features of the choice environment in determining whether and how discrimination will manifest. We conclude by discussing the implications for policy design.}, language = {en} } @article{AlizadeDancygierDitlmann, author = {Alizade, Jeyhun and Dancygier, Rafaela and Ditlmann, Ruth K.}, title = {National Penalties Reversed: The Local Politics of Citizenship and Politician Responsiveness to Immigrants}, series = {The Journal of Politics}, journal = {The Journal of Politics}, doi = {10.1086/711056}, abstract = {Local politicians can play an important role in promoting citizenship, but their helpfulness varies considerably across local councils. Do politicians discriminate against immigrants seeking to naturalize in ways that public opinion and national citizenship debates would suggest? In two correspondence studies fielded in Germany, we find no evidence that features that are salient in national debates and public opinion predict responsiveness. Specifically, signals of national identification and attachment play no role. Instead, we document a reversed national penalty: politicians are 50\% more likely to assist a large low-status group (Turks) than a small high status-group (Canadians). When probing mechanisms via elite interviews, we find that the desire to promote integration and electoral participation can counteract biases that typically generate discrimination. Among politicians, factors associated with group size can therefore help reverse penalties against low-status groups. Research on citizenship and discrimination must consider these disconnects between public perceptions, national debates, and local politics.}, language = {en} } @article{AsimovicDitlmannSamii, author = {Asimovic, Nejla and Ditlmann, Ruth K. and Samii, Cyrus}, title = {Estimating the effect of intergroup contact over years: evidence from a youth program in Israel}, series = {Political Science Research and Methods}, journal = {Political Science Research and Methods}, issn = {2049-8470}, doi = {10.1017/psrm.2024.8}, pages = {1 -- 19}, abstract = {We study how an intervention combining youth intergroup contact and sports affects intergroup relations in the context of an active conflict. We first conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of one-year program exposure in Israel. To track effects of a multiyear exposure, we then use machine-learning techniques to fuse the RCT with the observational data gathered on multiyear participants. This analytical approach can help overcome frequent limitations of RCTs, such as modest sample sizes and short observation periods. Our evidence cannot affirm a one-year effect on outgroup regard and ingroup regulation, although we estimate benefits of multiyear exposure among Jewish-Israeli youth, particularly boys. We discuss implications for interventions in contexts of active conflict and group status asymmetry.}, language = {en} } @article{DovidioGluszekJohnetal., author = {Dovidio, John F. and Gluszek, Agata and John, Melissa-Sue and Ditlmann, Ruth K. and Lagunes, Paul}, title = {Understanding bias toward Latinos: Discrimination, dimensions of difference, and experience of exclusion}, series = {Journal of Social Issues}, volume = {66}, journal = {Journal of Social Issues}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1111/j.1540-4560.2009.01633.x}, pages = {59 -- 78}, abstract = {White-Black relations have historically been the defining form of intergroup relations in the study of prejudice and discrimination. The present article suggests that there are limitations to applying this model to understanding bias toward other groups and proposes that a comprehensive view of the dynamics of the Anglos' bias toward Latinos requires consideration of the distinctive elements of this form of intergroup relations. In four empirical studies, we experimentally document discrimination against Latinos (Study 1), explore the potential dimensions that underlie bias against Latinos (Study 2), and examine the effect of a particular social identity cue, accentedness, on perceptions of acceptance and belongingness of Latinos and members of other groups (Studies 3 and 4). These studies consider general processes of prejudice and identify how particular facets of bias against Latinos can shape their experiences and, taken together, illustrate how understanding bias against Latinos can reciprocally inform contemporary theories of prejudice.}, language = {en} } @article{PurdieVaughnsSteeleDaviesetal., author = {Purdie-Vaughns, Valerie and Steele, Claude M. and Davies, Paul G. and Ditlmann, Ruth K. and Crosby, Jennifer Randall}, title = {Social identity contingencies: How diversity cues signal threat or safety for African Americans in mainstream institutions}, series = {Journal of Personality and Social Psychology}, volume = {94}, journal = {Journal of Personality and Social Psychology}, number = {4}, doi = {10.1037/0022-3514.94.4.615}, pages = {615 -- 630}, abstract = {This research demonstrates that people at risk of devaluation based on group membership are attuned to cues that signal social identity contingencies--judgments, stereotypes, opportunities, restrictions, and treatments that are tied to one's social identity in a given setting. In 3 experiments, African American professionals were attuned to minority representation and diversity philosophy cues when they were presented as a part of workplace settings. Low minority representation cues coupled with colorblindness (as opposed to valuing diversity) led African American professionals to perceive threatening identity contingencies and to distrust the setting (Experiment 1). The authors then verified that the mechanism mediating the effect of setting cues on trust was identity contingent evaluations (Experiments 2 \& 3). The power of social identity contingencies as they relate to underrepresented groups in mainstream institutions is discussed.}, language = {en} } @article{DitlmannPurdieVaughnsEibach, author = {Ditlmann, Ruth K. and Purdie-Vaughns, Valerie and Eibach, Richard P.}, title = {Heritage and ideology-based national identities and their implications for immigrant citizen relations in the United States and in Germany}, series = {International Journal of Intercultural Relations}, volume = {35}, journal = {International Journal of Intercultural Relations}, number = {4}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijintrel.2010.07.002}, pages = {395 -- 405}, abstract = {The present research examines the meaning of national identity in the United States and Germany and its implications for immigrant citizen relations. In Study 1, American and German participants responded to the question "What does it mean to be American [German]?" Results revealed that the American national identity is ideology-based as characterized by an endorsement of a core set of transcendent and abstract values. The German national identity is heritage-based as characterized by self-descriptive traits and cultural traditions. In Study 2, American participants were less likely than German participants to express exclusion from national identity in response to an immigrant who gave affective versus pragmatic reasons for becoming a citizen. The reverse was true for German participants. In sum, culture shapes national identity and responses to immigrants.}, language = {en} } @article{DitlmannFirestone, author = {Ditlmann, Ruth K. and Firestone, Berenike}, title = {Werte in der Friedenspsychologie. Am Beispiel empirischer Forschung zu Holocaust-Erinnerung}, series = {Wissenschaft und Frieden}, volume = {42}, journal = {Wissenschaft und Frieden}, number = {2024/4}, issn = {0947-3971}, abstract = {Wie wirken Erinnerungsprojekte {\"u}ber den Holocaust auf Teilnehmende? Diesem Thema widmet sich unsere Forschung. Wir f{\"u}hren {\"u}berwiegend quantitative, empirische Studien durch und nutzen diese Methode, um die kausale Wirkung von Projekten zu verstehen. Dabei werden wir oft mit Fragen von Normativit{\"a}t konfrontiert und geraten an die Grenzen des Ideals der wertfreien Forschung. Dies entspricht einer besonderen Herausforderung f{\"u}r empirische forschende Friedenspsycholog*innen. Doch Werteentscheidungen m{\"u}ssen transparent gemacht und offen diskutiert werden.}, language = {de} } @incollection{DitlmannPaluck, author = {Ditlmann, Ruth K. and Paluck, Elizabeth Levy}, title = {Field Experiments}, series = {International Encyclopedia of Social and Behavioral Sciences}, booktitle = {International Encyclopedia of Social and Behavioral Sciences}, editor = {Wright, James D.}, edition = {Second Edition}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {New York}, isbn = {(Electronic) 9780080970875, (Print) 9780080970868}, doi = {10.1016/B978-0-08-097086-8.10542-2}, publisher = {Hertie School}, pages = {128 -- 134}, abstract = {Field experiments are experiments in settings with high degrees of naturalism. This article describes different types of field experiments, including randomized field trials, randomized rollout designs, encouragement designs, downstream field experiments, hybrid lab-field experiments, and covert population experiments, and discusses their intellectual background and benefits. It also lists methodological challenges researchers can encounter when conducting field experiments, including failure to treat, selective attrition, spillover, difficulty of replication, and black box causality, and discusses available solutions. Finally, it provides an overview over current and emerging directions in field experimentation and concludes with a brief history of field experiments.}, language = {en} } @article{DitlmannLagunesLevin, author = {Ditlmann, Ruth K. and Lagunes, Paul and Levin, Brian M.}, title = {Documenting the Undocumented: A Review of the United States' First Municipal ID Program}, series = {Harvard Journal of Hispanic Policy}, volume = {24}, journal = {Harvard Journal of Hispanic Policy}, doi = {10.7916/D8TX3MQS}, pages = {43 -- 62}, abstract = {The City of New Haven, CT, sought to promote the assimilation of its immigrants by becoming the first American city to provide a government-backed ID, the Elm City Resident Card, to all residents. This article tests the policy's effectiveness in commerce. We find that Hispanics/Latinos are asked to present an ID more than Whites/Anglos, showing that the former are in greater need of documentation, regardless of their citizenship status. When a Hispanic/Latino presented the Elm City Resident Card to a cashier, it fared only as well as an unofficial ID. Thus, we conclude that the card has negligible utility as a form of documentation.}, language = {en} } @incollection{AnnabringDitlmannKempf, author = {Annabring, Ute and Ditlmann, Ruth K. and Kempf, Wilhelm}, title = {Die kognitive Repr{\"a}sentation von Nachkriegskonflikten imSpannungsfeld zwischen Mainstream-Diskurs undabweichender Berichterstattung}, series = {Nachrichtenmedien als Mediatoren von Demokratisierung, Peace-Building und Vers{\"o}hnung in Nachkriegsgesellschaften}, booktitle = {Nachrichtenmedien als Mediatoren von Demokratisierung, Peace-Building und Vers{\"o}hnung in Nachkriegsgesellschaften}, publisher = {Regener}, address = {Berlin}, isbn = {978-3-936014-05-1}, publisher = {Hertie School}, language = {de} } @article{PesinMichaelDitlmannShnabel, author = {Pesin-Michael, Gali and Ditlmann, Ruth K. and Shnabel, Nurit}, title = {From the lab to the field and back: the effects of need satisfaction on reconciliation among Germans and Israelis}, series = {Frontiers in Psychology}, volume = {15}, journal = {Frontiers in Psychology}, issn = {1664-1078}, doi = {10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1243158}, abstract = {Introduction: Previous lab experiments supported the needs-based model of reconciliation, which posits that discussing historical transgressions enhances the need for acceptance in groups perceived as perpetrators and empowerment in groups perceived as victims. Addressing these needs (e.g., through accepting or empowering messages from outgroup members) increases willingness to reconcile. This study tests this model in a real-world settings. Methods: Study 1 examined 143 German and Israeli Jewish participants from youth exchange programs, measuring their feelings of acceptance/empowerment, program satisfaction, outgroup attitudes, and keeping in touch with outgroup members. Study 2 examined 293 Israeli Jews, manipulating the salience of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians in a pre-registered laboratory experiment and measuring responses to accepting versus empowering messages from Germans. Results: As expected, Study 1 (N =143) found Germans' feelings of acceptance were linked to program satisfaction, positive outgroup attitudes, and keeping in touch. For Israeli Jews, feelings of empowerment were linked to satisfaction and positive attitudes, but keeping in touch was unexpectedly linked to acceptance. This unexpected effect maybe because keeping in touch is done mainly through social networks that focus on the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, often with a focus on Israel's transgressions against Palestinians. Consistent with this explanation, Study 2 (N=293, pre-registered) showed that Israeli Jews viewed accepting messages from Germans as more conciliatory when presented with transgressions against Palestinians, and empowering messages as more effective when presented with reminders of historical victimization by Nazis. Discussion: The findings from Study 1 partially support the needs-based model of reconciliation and additionally suggest that reconciliation needs vary with context. Implications for people-to-people peace-building interventions are discussed.}, language = {en} } @article{TurkogluDitlmannFirestone, author = {Turkoglu, Oguzhan and Ditlmann, Ruth K. and Firestone, Berenike}, title = {Commemorating local victims of past atrocities and far-right support over time}, series = {PNAS}, volume = {120}, journal = {PNAS}, number = {28}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.2221158120}, abstract = {Does public remembrance of past atrocities lead to decreased support for far-right parties today? Initiatives commemorating past atrocities aim to make visible the victims and crimes committed against them. This runs counter to revisionist actors who attempt to downplay or deny atrocities and victims. Memorials for victims might complicate such attempts and reduce support for revisionist actors. Yet, little empirical evidence exists on whether that happens. In this study, we examine whether exposure to local memorials that commemorate victims of atrocities reduces support for a revisionist far-right party. Our empirical case is the Stolpersteine ("stumbling stones") memorial in Berlin, Germany. It commemorates victims and survivors of Nazi persecution in front of their last freely chosen place of residence. We employ time-series cross-sectional analyses and a discontinuity design using a panel dataset that matches the location and date of placement of new Stolpersteine with the election results from seven elections (2013 to 2021) at the level of polling station areas. We find that, on average, the presence of Stolpersteine is associated with a 0.96\%-point decrease in the far-right vote share in the following election. Our study suggests that local memorials that make past atrocities visible have implications for political behavior in the present.}, language = {en} }