Stereotyping

What are stereotypes? (3)

• Stereotypes are simplified positive or negative generalizations an individual has on a group that is attributed to all members.  

• Stereotyping is a form of social categorization that affects the behaviour of those who hold the stereotype and those who are labeled by it. 

• Stereotypes can lead to prejudice and then discrimination.

What is prejudice? (2)

• Prejudice is a negative bias against a group.

• A poor judgement about individuals that is solely based off their group membership

What is discrimination? (2)

• Discrimination acting on prejudice and treating out-groups differently.

• An act or decision that relates to treating an individual unfairly based on the group to which they belong to or perceived to belong.

What are the 2 ways stereotypes are formed?

social identity theory (SIT) and Illusory correlations

What is out-group homogeneity?

• Out-group homogeneity is a bias where people perceive members of out-groups as being more similar to each other than they perceive members of their own in-group.

  • This makes it easy for us to apply stereotypes to the members of an outgroup without having to consider whether characteristics are actually true of a particular individual. 

  • Additionally, little interaction with the out-group means that we learn little about their traits and are more likely to maintain stereotypes.

• Relates to Social Identity Theory (SIT)

What is illusory correlation?

• cognitive bias where people see a relationship between 2 variables when there is none.

• proposed by Hamilton & Gifford (1976)

What are the 2 type of illusory correlation?

expectancy-based and distinctiveness based illusory correlations

what is expectancy based illusory correlation?

• Occurs when we mistakenly see relationships due to our pre-exist expectations surrounding them (confirms our belief)

what is distinctiveness based illusory correlation?

• Occurs when a relationship is believed to exist between 2 variables due to focusing too much on information that stands out 

What is confirmation bias?

• aka discounting principle

• Occurs when an individual looks for, uses, and remembers information that confirms/ supports their preexisting beliefs and overlooks information that contradicts it.

  • This makes stereotypical thinking resistant to change.

• This related to maintaining self-esteem by justifying your belief

What are the 2 ways stereotypes develop/form according to Schneider (2004)?

Indirectly or directly 

• Indirect formation: A product of our culture or society.

• Direct formation: As a result of our own experiences with other people

Who supports Schneider (2004)?

• Campbell (1967) supports these 2 sources of stereotypes.

  • Argues that stereotypes have some basis in reality 

  • Gain of truth hypothesis argues that an experience or interaction with an individual from a group will then be generalized to the group

  • connected to out-group homogeneity in SIT

What are the effects of stereotypes on behaviour?

stereotype threat

What is stereotype threat?

• the fear of being judged, treated stereotypically, or doing something that would inadvertently confirm that stereotype.

• proposed by Steele & Aronson (1995)

• Stereotype threat turns on spotlight anxiety, which cause emotional distress and pressure that may undermine performance 

  • students under stereotype threat often underperform and this can naturally limit their educational prospect (shown in the Steele & Aronson study)