What is "ingroup bias"?

Ingroup bias refers to the phenomenon where individuals show a preference for members of their own group, often referred to as the "ingroup," over those from other groups, known as "outgroups." This bias can manifest in various ways, including favorable treatment, greater trust, and increased positive regard for ingroup members, along with a tendency to view outgroup members less favorably or with suspicion. This concept is rooted in social identity theory, which posits that individuals derive part of their self-concept and self-esteem from their group memberships. As a result, favoritism towards one's own group can reinforce social bonds and strengthen group identity.

The other options do not capture the essence of ingroup bias. Treating all groups equally or having an equal preference for different social groups does not reflect the preferential treatment typically evident in ingroup bias. Discrimination against outgroup members is related but does not define ingroup bias itself; rather, it might be an outcome or associated phenomenon. Therefore, the accurate depiction of ingroup bias is the tendency to favor one's own group over others.