stereotypes prejudice discrimination

Define a stereotype.

A widely shared and simplified evaluative image or a fixed, over-generalized belief about a particular group or class of people.

What is the psychological definition of prejudice?

An unfavourable attitude towards a social group and its members.

Define discrimination in a social psychology context.

Behaviour or actions towards an individual or group, usually negative, based on their group membership.

What is one primary advantage of using stereotypes?

They enable us to respond rapidly to situations based on previous similar experiences.

What is a primary disadvantage of using stereotypes?

They cause us to ignore individual differences and make potentially inaccurate generalizations.

What is a self-fulfilling prophecy in the context of stereotypes?

A process where the automatic activation of a negative stereotype leads to poor treatment of a target, causing the target to behave poorly in response, which confirms the original stereotype.

What does the 'Mere Exposure Effect' suggest regarding intergroup relations?

Repeated exposure to a stimulus or group results in greater attraction.

How does the 'Scapegoat' theory explain prejudice?

It involves aggressing against another group without fear as a way to displace negative feelings.

What is 'Dogmatism' in the context of prejudice?

A rigid, intolerant cognitive style that predisposes an individual to prejudice.

What does Realistic Conflict Theory propose as a cause of prejudice?

Direct competition between groups over valued, limited resources such as jobs or schools.

What was the significance of the Robber's Cave Experiment?

It demonstrated how intergroup hostility arises from conflicting goals and competition over resources.

What are the three stages of Social Identity Theory according to Tajfel and Turner?

Social categorisation, social identification, and social comparison.

What is 'in-group bias'?

The tendency to view one's own group more favourably than out-groups.

What does the Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis state?

Frustration, defined as circumstances interfering with a goal response, often leads to aggression.

What is the core focus of Social Dominance Theory?

It explains how social inequalities and hierarchies are maintained through discrimination and oppression.

What is the 'out-group homogeneity effect'?

The tendency to perceive out-group members as all being the same, while viewing in-group members as more diverse or heterogeneous.

What are 'illusory correlations'?

The perception of a relationship between variables that may not actually exist, such as overestimating negative behaviour in minority groups.

What is the 'Same-Race Effect'?

The finding that individuals find it easier to recognize faces of their own race compared to faces of other races.

How can in-group/out-group biases be triggered?

They can be established even through meaningless procedures, such as a coin toss, to divide people into groups.

What is the consequence of prejudice mentioned in the notes?

Dehumanisation.

Name four common targets of prejudice and discrimination.

Race, age, gender, and religion.

What is 'Gingerism'?

A form of prejudice and discrimination directed at individuals with red hair, which can lead to bullying and physical violence.

What is the difference between in-group differentiation and out-group homogeneity?

In-group differentiation is seeing one's own group as diverse, whereas out-group homogeneity is seeing the out-group as uniform.

What role does 'social categorization' play in prejudice?

It divides the world into 'us' (in-group) and 'them' (out-group), which serves as the foundation for bias.

How does displacement function in the context of prejudice?

It involves transferring negative feelings from one source onto another, often a less powerful group.

What is the relationship between stereotypes and prejudice?

Stereotypes act as a source that feeds into and fuels prejudice.