Exam 2 - Stereotype Threat

Microaggressions

Definition: subtle discrimination experienced frequently by targeted groups

• Race

• Gender

• Sexual orientation

Microaggressions focus on….

Psychological harm to targets

Microaggressions are an ecosystem of _____

Threat

Meta-Stereotype

Knowledge of other groups’ stereotype relevant to own group membership

Stereotype-Threat

The threat of being associated w a negative stereotype causes anxiety, which can reduce performance

Stereotype Threat - People can self-esteem by…

Identifying themselves with certain traits

• I’m a good athlete

• I’m a good student

Stereotype Threat - If we feel those identities threatened, we feel _____ and ______

Anxious and Uncomfortable

Stereotype Threat - That anxiety makes us…

Underperform on tasks that we are good at otherwise

Race & Academic Achievement Study

• Black and white students asked to take a test

• Told that the test was either:

  • Test of intelligence

  • Lab activity

• When told that test was lab activity

  • Higher scores from black students

• When told that test was of intelligence

  • Lower scores from black students

Why did this happen? Mediating mechanisms?

• Triggers psychological arousal

• Causes ID to suppress thoughts about stereotype, which can drain cognitive resources

• Impairs working memory

• Can cause negative thoughts, worry, etc.

Notable Findings in Steel & Aronson

Simply reporting race prior to exam was sufficient to yield a stereotype threat effect

Prevalence and Diversity of Stereotype Threats

• Can affect any group for which strong, well-known negative stereotypes are relevant in particular settings

  • Women

  • Low SES

  • Black/white athletes

Does one need to believe in a negative stereotype for it to have an effect?

One does not need to believe in a negative stereotype for it to have an effect

Reducing Stereotype Threat

• Reminding students of their positive abilities & values

• Being aware of stereotype threat

• Telling yourself that you are an individual & not a stereotype

Stereotype Threat - Robustness of Phenomenon?

There is some skepticism