Stereotypes

• What is a stereotype?

  A widely shared evaluative image of a social group
• What does a stereotype assume about a social group?

  It assumes characteristics apply to the entire group
• Why is stereotypical thinking considered unavoidable in social life?

  It helps make quick judgments about interactions
• How can stereotypes be useful in social interactions?

  They provide shortcuts to process information
• What negative consequences can arise from stereotypes?

  They can lead to prejudice and discrimination
• What is the essence of prejudicial thinking regarding stereotypes?

  The stereotype is not checked against reality
• What can stereotyping lead to in a social context?

  Prejudice, discrimination, harassment, and violence
• What are the particular attributes of stereotypes?

  • Simplification
  • Exaggeration or distortion
  • Generalisation
  • Cultural attributes seen as natural
• What does simplification in stereotypes refer to?

  Seeing specific behaviors as typical for a group
• What is an example of exaggeration in stereotypes?

  All Scots drink a lot
• What does generalisation in stereotypes imply?

  All members of a nationality share characteristics
• How are cultural attributes perceived in stereotypes?

  As natural characteristics of a group
• What is stereotype threat?

  Awareness of a negative stereotype affecting performance
• What did Ambady et al. (2001) find regarding stereotype threat?

  Girls performed worse on a math test when reminded
• At what age did the stereotype threat effect disappear for girls?

  Between ages 8 to 10
• What did Spencer et al. (1999) find about stereotype threat?

  Similar effects were observed with female undergraduates
• What is the potential issue with positive stereotypes?


  They can disadvantage groups not receiving benefits
• What is stereotype lift?

  Improvement in performance due to positive stereotypes
• What are the consequences of stereotyping?

  • Leads to prejudice
  • Results in discrimination
  • Can cause harassment
  • May lead to violence