Comprehensive Study Guide on Categorization, Stereotypes, Association Testing, and Stereotype Threat (copy)

Category

A group of items that share one or more similar traits.

Stereotypes

Beliefs regarding the typical traits of members of a specific group; human judgments rather than naturally occurring phenomena.

Prototype

The specific group member or mental representation that possesses the highest concentration of typical features associated with a given category.

Minimal Group Paradigm

The minimal conditions required for social groups to form around shared traits.

In-group Bias

The tendency to privilege in-group members over out-group members.

Back Sitters

Individuals categorized as those who do not care about class material or wish to leave the classroom early.

Implicit Associations

Unconscious cognitive connections or stereotypes individuals hold without explicit awareness.

Explicit Associations

Conscious beliefs and stereotypes regarding social groups.

Prefrontal Cortex (PFC)

The primary brain structure responsible for high-level decision-making, executive function, and cognitive control.

Amygdala

The primary brain structure responsible for processing emotional stimuli, threat detection, and fear responses.

Inverse Neurobiological Relationship

Increased activation of the Amygdala leads to reduced functioning of the Prefrontal Cortex.

Stereotype Threat

When conscious activation of explicit negative stereotypes about one's own group triggers fear responses, reducing cognitive capacity.

Priming Conditions

Experimental manipulations that activate specific identities prior to performance assessments.

Asian Identity Condition

A priming condition where cultural/racial identity is emphasized before a mathematics examination.

Female Identity Condition

A priming condition where gender identity is highlighted before a mathematics examination.

Accuracy Debate

The discussion about the validity of stereotypes and their statistical generalizations.

Cognitive Research Focus

Research focusing on when stereotypes are accurate and how they affect individuals and society.