The Contribution of the Lay Theories Approach to the Study of Groups

This special issue highlights the contribution ofthe lay theories approach to the study ofgroups. Six articles address the nature, development, and consequences ofa variety oflay theories for group perception and behavior. First, these articles illuminate the structural, functional, and dynamic properties of lay theories as well as their scope. Second, the articles address the development of lay theoriesfrom diverse theoretical perspectives, including evolutionary, cognitive, developmental, and sociocultural learning. Third, each article documents the consequences ofdifferent lay theoriesfor understanding group inferences and judgments. Taken together, these articles propose theoretical extensions ofthe lay theories approach and suggest practical implications of the lay theories approach for reducing prejudice.