Perceiving Groups and Stereotypes

A set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to perceiving groups, stereotypes, prejudice, and related theories.

Stereotypes

Beliefs that associate groups of people with certain traits.

Prejudice

Negative feelings towards persons based on their membership in certain groups.

Discrimination

Any behavior directed against persons because of their identification with a particular group.

Ingroup-Outgroup bias

The tendency to favor one's own group over others.

Outgroup homogeneity bias

The perception that members of an outgroup are all the same.

Social Categorization

The natural process of sorting people into groups based on perceived characteristics.

Illusory Correlations

Overestimating the relationship between slightly correlated variables that supports stereotypes.

Self-fulfilling Prophecies

Behaving in ways that confirm existing biases.

Realistic Conflict Theory

The struggle for limited resources leading to conflict between groups.

Social Identity Theory

The theory that individuals enhance their self-esteem by favoring their ingroups.

Confirmation Biases

The tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms one's preconceptions.

Contrast Effect

The phenomenon where someone who violates our stereotype is seen as more extreme.

BIRGing

Basking in Reflected Glory; associating with successful groups to boost self-esteem.

CORFing

Cutting Off Reflected Failure; distancing from groups that perform poorly.