Elements of a lay theory of groups: Types of groups, relational styles, and the perception of group entitativity

Discussion in this article is on the elements of perceivers' intuitive theory of groups. The first element of the theory concerns perceivers' intuitive taxonomy of different types of groups. We discuss research examining this intuitive taxonomy, as well as the group properties that define different types of groups within the taxonomy. A second important element in the lay theory concerns perceivers' beliefs about how people within different types of groups regulate social interactions with one another. We discuss research examining the relation between perceivers' beliefs about different types of groups and how people within those groups are expected to relate to each other. Finally, we discuss how people use their intuitive theory of groups when making social judgments pertaining to groups.