3. Stereotype and cognitive dissonance

What is a stereotype?

Beliefs in regards to people that belong to a certain group, regardless of individual differences, often generalizing personal characteristics of members of that social group.

What is the Primacy Effect?

The initial impression we form of a person is more influential than any later obtained information and has a lasting influence.

What are the pros of stereotypes?

• They simplify and make person perception more efficient

• reduce the amount of thinking

• and help us make sense of our world.

What are the cons of stereotypes?

• They ignore individuality

• focus on consistent information, can be inaccurate

• resist change

• and can lead to social stigma and prejudice where members of stigmatised groups face social disadvantage and psychological/physical harm

What is an ingroup?

A social group that an individual identifies with, often leading to positive feelings towards their own group and prejudice against outgroups.

What is an outgroup?

A social group that an individual does not identify with, often viewed negatively and subjected to discrimination.

What is cognitive dissonance?

The unpleasant feeling when an individual is aware of inconsistencies between their beliefs/attitude and their behavior.

How can cognitive dissonance be decreased

• by justifying or rationalising behaviour (add new cognitions)

• altering or adjusting beliefs

• changing the behaviour

What is prejudice?

Holding a negative attitude towards a member of a group solely because of their association with that group.

What is old fashioned predjudice

A form of prejudice that is overt and explicit, based on stereotype & causes segregation

What is modern prejudice

a form of prejudice that is subtle and implicit and in a social acceptable form

What is explicit prejudice

consciously held and usually deliberately thought about

What is implicit prejudice

unconsciously held so the individual is usually unaware of it.

What is direct discrimination?

when someone treats another person unfavourably because of a personal characteristic protected by the law

What is indirect discrimination

Treating everyone the same (Theoretical equality) without adapting to meet the specific needs of others.

What is the difference between prejudice and discrimination?

Prejudice is an attitude, while discrimination is the expression of that attitude through behavior.

4 basic characteristics of Predjudice

1. ingroup believe they are superior to outgroup

2. ingroup view outgroup as different ‘not belonging”

3. ingroup believe they are more powerful/important

4. ingroup insecure that outgroup become more important/powerful