Individual differences in category width and fairness perception of selection decisions

The study examined the effect of individual differences in category width on fairness perception of selection decisions. The hypothesis was that narrow categorizers would have more exaggerated perceptions of fairness than broad categorizers. Subjects completed Pettigrew’s (1958) Category-Width Scale and a questionnaire designed to assess fairness perceptions of selection outcomes. Although the results of individual differences in fairness perception were consistent and were in the same directions as hypothesized, the main effect of “categorizer” did not reach statistical significance. The results also showed that merit-based selections were perceived as fair. Selections involving preferential treatment were perceived as equally unfair as conventional discrimination against minority candidates.