Dissociation Model and Stereotyping

Motivational Factors of Automatic Activation

Comprehension Needs

The need for comprehension involves a strong desire to form clear impressions of others and understand their behavior to predict future interactions. This desire influences the activation of stereotypes, which provide rapid comprehension of social situations.

  1. Self-Enhancement

    • This refers to the inherent desire to see oneself in a positive light. This motivation is driven both by societal stereotypes and an applied psychological mechanism.

    1. Social Adjustment

      • A subset of self-enhancement focused on adjusting one’s behavior to fit into social situations.

  2. Motivation to Avoid Prejudice

    • This motivation is driven by personal values or the social perception of others regarding one’s character. Individuals may act to avoid appearing prejudiced to maintain their desired self-image.

Stereotype Activation and Application: A Theoretical Framework

Overview

In the research article by Ziva Kunda and Steven J. Spencer titled "When Do Stereotypes Come to Mind and When Do They Color Judgment?" a theoretical framework is presented to understand stereotype activation and application based on goals individuals pursue.

  • Stereotype Activation: This term refers to the accessibility of a stereotype in one’s mind during an interaction with a member of a stereotyped group.

  • Stereotype Application: Once activated, stereotypes may be used in judgment or evaluation of that individual.

The Three Goals Influencing Stereotypes

The authors propose that both activation and application are contingent on three key goals:

  1. Comprehension Goals

  2. Self-Enhancement Goals

  3. Motivation to Avoid Prejudice

Situational and Chronic Influences

The framework allows for the examination of various chronic (enduring personal traits) and situational factors that can influence the intensity of these goals and subsequently impact stereotype processes.

Theoretical Distinction Between Accessibility and Application

There is a significant distinction made between the increased accessibility of stereotypes and their application in judgment, with accessibility being a state of perceptual readiness. While research has often conflated these two, it is important to note:

  • Increases in stereotype accessibility manifest through judgment yet does not always translate to application.

  • Individuals might activate a stereotype without applying it, particularly when motivated to avoid prejudice.

Example Scenario

In an instance where a perceiver interacts with an Asian American woman, they may activate the stereotype associated with Asian Americans (e.g., traits like shy or intelligent) but consciously choose not to apply it in their judgment of her due to their motivation to act equitably.

Factors Influencing Stereotype Activation and Application

Table 1: Influential Factors

Citations to studies show both situational and chronic factors that influence the aforementioned goals with respect to stereotype activation and application. Below are important factors summarized:

  • Comprehension Goals:

    • Tasks that require impressions (positive or sensitive) can influence stereotype retrieval and application of stereotypes based on goal needs.

  • Self-Enhancement Goals:

    • Praise can lead to enhanced self-views while criticism can activate stereotypes as a maladaptive defense mechanism.

  • Motivation to Avoid Prejudice:

    • Chronic egalitarian goals and establishing credentials against perceived prejudice can inhibit stereotype activation and application.

Influenced Outcomes

Studies reflect diverse influences on stereotype activation and application, with varying effects indicated as positive (+) for activation or application and negative (-) for inhibition.

Automatic Processing Styles

Stereotype activation is often automatic, requiring little cognitive effort and manifesting involuntarily. It is contrasted with controlled processing, which is effortful and voluntary.

Motivation and Ability Factors

Cognitive Load

A significant concept in stereotype application is cognitive load - which refers to the mental resources available to an individual. Higher cognitive loads correlate with increased stereotype application as it limits the cognitive resources needed to consider alternatives or nuanced views of individuals.

Decision-Making and Motivation

  • Increased motivation to engage in effortful cognition (desiring to process information thoroughly) leads to lower stereotype application.

  • Conversely, the need for closure, which compels individuals to simplify decisions, correlates positively with stereotype application.

Empirical Examples have demonstrated how cognitive load, time pressure, and intoxication can each significantly alter one's capacity to activate, apply, or inhibit stereotypes.

Self-Esteem Threats and Stereotyping

Functional Derogation

The literature also notes that under self-esteem threats, individuals may derogate stereotyped others as a method to restore their own self-esteem, showing a complex interplay between social judgments and individual psychological needs.

Summary of Stereotype Application

Activation vs. Application Strength

The tendency of a stereotype to be applied once activated is contingent upon various motivational and situational aspects:

  1. Inhibition of Stereotypes:

    • Individuals can consciously or unconsciously inhibit stereotype application, indicating that stereotypes are the default judgment mechanism unless mitigated by awareness or conscious thought.

  2. Triggers for Motivation:

    • Individual motivation to control prejudice plays a significant role in reducing stereotype activation and application. High motivation leads to a lower likelihood of stereotype application.

Overall, the interaction between individual cognitive styles, motivational factors, and situational contexts provides a nuanced understanding of how and when stereotypes are activated and applied in social settings.