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In this study the determinants of the content of Western European stereotypes are investigated. The content of the stereotypes was reflected in four dimensions: attributed efficiency, emotionality, empathy and dominance. Attributed efficiency appeared to be determined by social factors, such as perceived economic development and social security, along with the geographical location of the stereotyped nation. Attributed emotionality was solely related to the north—south location of the stereotyped national. Attributed empathy and dominance were related to perceived political power and nationalism and to the geographical size of the stereotyped nation. The effects of the geographical factors are interpreted in terms of cultural, economic and historical factors associated with or relating to these geographical factors. The research and its results are placed in the framework of Von Ehrenfels' thesis of a north—south polarization effect in nationality stereotypes.
Linssen et al. (1994) studied this question.