Explain one study that shows one effect of stereotypes on behaviour.

Introduction

Stereotyping is a form of generalization where one judges an individual based on group membership or physical attributes. One effect on behaviour of stereotypes is a stereotype threat. A stereotype threat is when one is in situation where there is a threat of being judged or treated stereotypically, or a fear of doing something that would confirm that stereotype.

Theory

Steele and Arson argue that one does not need to believe in a stereotype for it to affect their behaviour. This is because stereotype threat increases “spotlight anxiety” or the feeling of being judged, which may undermine performance.

Steele and Arson

The aim of the study was to see how stereotype threat affects test performance in African Americans. The sample consisted of 76 male and female, black and white undergraduates from Stanford University. The participants were given a standardized test of verbal ability - similar to the SAT - and were told one of two things: 1. It is a test to diagnose your intellectual ability; 2. It is a test of your problem-solving skills. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the two conditions; however, the researchers made sure that there were equal numbers of participants in each condition.

Study Results

• African American participants performed worse when they believed the test measured intellectual ability.

• They performed equally well as white Americans when told it was a test of problem-solving skills.

• Researchers could not initially conclude that awareness of racial stereotypes caused the difference

Follow-up Experiment

• A follow-up experiment was conducted where participants completed a personal information questionnaire before the test.

  • Half of the participants were asked to identify their race on the form.

  • African Americans who identified their race performed worse.

  • Those who did not identify their race performed as well as white participants.

Link

Stereotype about the academic ability of African Americans led to spotlight anxiety which means that they performed worse on the test. This shows that the stereotype had a negative effect on their performance even if they did not believe it in themselves. This effect was strongest in participants who were made aware of their group membership after filling in the questionnaire.