Stereotypes

What is a stereotype?

• A factual representation of a group

• A generalization about a group applied to its members

• A unique trait of an individual

• An unbiased perception of a group

According to Schneider (2004), how do stereotypes develop?

• Through genetic inheritance

• Indirectly through culture and directly through personal experience

• Only through personal experiences

• Only through media influences

What is the 'grain of truth hypothesis'?

• Stereotypes are based on completely false information

• A stereotype begins with some truthful experience that is generalized

• Stereotypes are only cultural constructs with no basis in reality

• Stereotypes are created from schemas with no experience involved

What is an illusory correlation, as explained by Hamilton and Gifford (1976)?

• A real connection between two variables

• An overestimation of a relationship between two variables where none exists

• A cognitive dissonance between perceptions

• A correct association between social groups and traits

What did Hamilton and Gifford's (1976) study on group A and group B demonstrate?

• Minorities are always more negative

• The majority group is often overestimated

• Negative behaviors of minority groups are overemphasized

• Positive traits of minority groups are overemphasized

What is confirmation bias in stereotyping?

• Seeking out information that supports one's stereotype

• Ignoring all information related to stereotypes

• Changing one’s stereotype based on new evidence

• Disregarding stereotypes entirely

What is a consequence of stereotype threat according to Steele and Aronson (1995)?

• Improved performance under pressure

• No effect on performance

• Underperformance due to fear of confirming a stereotype

• Higher motivation to defy stereotypes

In Steele & Aronson's study, which group performed worse when told a test measured verbal ability?

• African American participants

• European American participants

• Both groups performed equally

• No group was affected

What does the concept of 'spotlight anxiety' refer to?

• Feeling overconfident due to stereotypes

• Emotional distress caused by the fear of confirming a stereotype

• Anxiety unrelated to stereotypes

• Anxiety that improves performance under pressure

According to Spencer et al. (1999), women underperform in mathematics tests due to:

• Lack of mathematical skill

• Stereotype threat about their mathematical abilities

• Higher pressure to succeed

• Cultural influences