Abstract: Intergroup Contact Theory, which is formed on the base of Intergroup Contact Hypothesis, indicates that intergroup contact has functions of improving intergroup relationship and reducing intergroup bias. Nowadays, the related studies expand the research subjects and explore intergroup contact’s functions of reducing both explicit and implicit bias. More and more researchers begin to pay close attention to the function of indirect contact. The mechanism that intergroup contact reduces bias includes functional relations, interaction with out-groups, emotional factors and cognitive factors. After analyzing the prerequisite conditions of contact, which contains equal status, common goals, intergroup cooperation and support of authorities, law, or custom, more and more researches focus on the importance of intergroup friendship. We should pay more attention to improving the ecological validity, refining the theory system of Intergroup Contact Theory in the future, as well as take notice of the intergroup contact that leads to negative effects.

Key words: intergroup contact, intergroup contact hypothesis, intergroup relationship, bias, group