3. Stereotype and cognitive dissonance

Stereotype- beliefs in regards to people that belong to a certain group, regardless of individual differences,

generalisation about personal characteristics of a member of a social group.

Primacy effect 🤔 “ initial impression we form of a person is more influential than any later obtained information” has a lasting influence

pro:

• simplify and make person perception more efficient, reduce amount of thinking

• help us make sense of our world and a general system to guide our interactions with others

cons:

• ignore individuality that does not fit in with the stereotype

• more attention to information that is consistent with the stereotype

• inaccurate as they are based off incorrect of inadequate information

• stereotypes tend to be fixed and resistant to change

• lead to social stigma. and prejudice

• members of a stigmatised groups suffer from social disadvantage and physical and psychological damage

ingroups

a social group that an individual identifies as being a member of, majority groups

• tend to be more positive and favorable to their own group, develop loyalty easily.

• prejudiced towards members of outgroups, give preferential treatment or discriminative treatment

• believe they are superior to the outgroup

outgroup

a social group that an individual does not as being a member of, minority group

• often negative view towards them

• discriminate towards

Cognitive Dissonance

the unpleasant feeling when people are aware of inconsistencies amongst their cognitions (Beliefs/attitude") and their behaviour
try

• try and rationalise it or try and justify it

• alter or adjust beliefs

Prejudice and Discrimination (for or against)

prejudice : holding a negative attitude towards member of a group solely because of their association/membership with that group.

• Old fashioned: overt and explicit, based on stereotype, segregation

• Modern prejudice : Subtle and implicit, social acceptable form, eg/ I’m not racist but

Prejudice is a attitude, discrimination is expression of attitude through behaviour

Direct : treated differently based on characteristic eg/ not hiring outgroup

indirect : treat all the same, but does not change to adapt the needs of others