Following the best of us to help them: Group member prototypicality and collective action

While considering the role of group-level factors as predictors collective action, research has overlooked group prototypes in determining willingness to engage action. To begin investigate this area, we conducted two correlational studies ( Ns = 141 and 98) high schools examining association between prototypical ingroup members’ desire action participants’ on behalf a disadvantaged (immigrants). Results showed positive these variables. We also investigated boundaries effect, finding that emerged when participants lacked personal experiences with (cross-group friendships; Study 1) or identified more their ingroup, an effect found including behavioral measure (Study 2). Intentions follow member mediator It is worth noting our methodology allowed us assess prototypicality naturalistic context by calculating metacontrast ratio for each member, line self-categorization theory’s conceptualization prototypicality. discuss theoretical practical implications, reference means social influence developing norms