Psychology: Stereotypes and Discrimination

The cognitive component in our perceptions of group members. Positive or negative beliefs that we hold about the characteristics of social groups.

An unjustifiable negative attitude toward an outgroup or toward the members of that outgroup.

Unjustified negative behaviors toward members of outgroups based on their group membership.

Performance decrements that are caused by the knowledge of cultural stereotypes.

A research technique used to measure implicit attitudes by convincing participants that a device (e.g., a lie detector) can detect their true beliefs.

Stereotypes are hard to change because they are deeply embedded in our culture and daily lives, often reinforced through media and social interactions.

These 'cognitive monsters' have a powerful, insidious impact on social judgment.

Moreover, stereotypes are strongest among those who are most prejudiced and in need of change.

The tendency to see members of outgroups as more alike than they actually are.

The natural cognitive process by which we place individuals into social groups.

A test that measures implicit biases by assessing how quickly people associate certain groups with positive or negative traits.

A technique used to reduce implicit biases by practicing non-stereotypical responses.

Unconscious beliefs or attitudes that can influence our behavior, often towards outgroups.

The idea that we can change our implicit biases over time by deliberately practicing non-stereotypical responses.

The process of drawing conclusions about someone's beliefs or motivations based on their actions, even if they may have other explanations.

A person intentionally placed in a social situation to observe how others react to them.

The tendency to favor our own group, the ingroup, over other groups, or outgroups.

Feeling good about ourselves by being part of a group with positive traits.

When we feel threatened or insecure about our identity, we tend to favor our own group even more.

It's a natural part of how we categorize the world, and we tend to like people who are similar to us.

We are more familiar with our own group, leading to a sense of comfort and trust.

When our own group members act negatively, it can damage the image of the entire group, even if we don't agree.

A change in societal norms that discourages discrimination can lead to lasting change in prejudice.

Environments where prejudice is not tolerated are more likely to limit discriminatory behaviors.

People are more likely to favor their own group when they believe that it's the norm within their social environment.

The stronger someone identifies with their group, the more likely they are to conform to the group's norms, including prejudice.

When people believe that their peers are unprejudiced, they behave more inclusively. This suggests that social norms can shape behavior, including prejudice.

This effect emphasizes the importance of social norms in shaping prejudice. Changing beliefs about prejudice requires changing the social environment.

Prejudice and discrimination flourish when they are viewed as acceptable within a group. However, they diminish when counter-norms are established.

Individual behavior directly shapes social norms. Inclusive actions can contribute to reducing prejudice and discrimination.

The Sechrist and Stangor (2001) experiment demonstrated that even those with prejudiced views may behave more inclusively when they believe that their views are not widely shared within their university.

The study by Sechrist and Stangor (2001) reinforces the idea that social norms play a crucial role in promoting or reducing prejudice. By changing perceptions of norms, positive change is possible.

A classic experiment showed that even when kids were brought together, it wasn't enough to solve conflict. They needed a common goal to work towards.

It helps explain why trying to get people to just get along isn't always enough to reduce conflict.

This means that people who are anxious about being judged might avoid interacting with different groups.

This suggests a good way to reduce prejudice is to help people build connections with members of different groups.

It's important to realize that simply bringing groups together isn't always enough to reduce conflict.

The Robbers' Cave Experiment highlights how creating a shared goal that requires intergroup cooperation can be effective in reducing conflict.

A goal that requires the combined effort of two or more groups to achieve.

A technique used to encourage cooperation and reduce prejudice between groups by creating situations where they must work together to achieve a shared goal.

The tendency for people to view members of their own group more favorably than members of other groups.

Negative perceptions of outgroups can be reduced by encouraging shared goals and cooperation between groups.

The shared goal of working together to reach a common objective.

The situation where individuals feel they must rely on each other to achieve a common goal.

A common objective that benefits all involved groups, requiring their collective efforts.

Actions taken to encourage collaboration and reduce prejudice between groups by creating situations where they must work together.