Questions and Answers
What is stereotype threat?
What can stereotype threat do?
Harm performance on any task where a stereotype is mentioned.
What is the effect of stereotype threat on performance?
Decreases performance on tasks involving groups.
What are internal attributions for failure?
Signup and view all the answers
What is reactance in the context of stereotype threat?
Signup and view all the answers
What are ironic effects related to stereotype threat?
Signup and view all the answers
What is self-handicapping?
Signup and view all the answers
What is task discounting (TD)?
Signup and view all the answers
What does distancing from stereotyped groups refer to?
Signup and view all the answers
What occurs during disengagement?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Stereotype Threat Definition
- Stereotype threat occurs when individuals feel at risk of confirming negative stereotypes about their social group.
- It is a situational predicament impacting performance in various contexts.
Consequences of Stereotype Threat
- Generally results in negative impacts on performance.
- Affects tasks where stereotypes are mentioned, suggesting some groups may perform poorly.
Decreased Performance
- Impairs achievement on diverse tasks linked to certain stereotypes.
- Notable in academic settings, gender performance discrepancies in math and driving, or perceptions of elderly and homosexual individuals in specific roles.
Internal Attributions for Failure
- Individuals often blame internal factors (personal traits) for failure rather than external circumstances.
- Women under stereotype threat are more likely than men to attribute failures to their own abilities, reinforcing stereotypes.
Reactance
- In some cases, stereotype threat may boost performance due to positive stereotypes.
- Performance improves when stereotypes favor the individual, while negative stereotypes can decline performance.
Ironic Effects
- Stereotype threat can lead to behaviors that contradict initial beliefs.
- For instance, whites performed worse on tests assessing racial bias when primed with the concept of confirming racism.
Self-Handicapping
- Individuals may inhibit their own performance as an excuse for potential failure.
- Under stereotype threat, people might exhibit less effort or create ambiguous attributions to avoid facing ability deficiencies directly.
Task Discounting (TD)
- TD demotivates individuals from even attempting tasks, valuing them less.
- Leads to a reduced desire to engage with fields they deem unworthy due to looming stereotype threats.
Distancing from Stereotyped Groups
- Individuals may distance themselves from group members who could affirm stereotypes, harming self-esteem and group affiliation.
- Can also impair enjoyment and identification with activities tied to one's social identity due to perceived threats.
Disengagement
- Occurs when stereotype threat causes individuals to withdraw from a field or environment viewed as threatening, resulting in decreased participation and investment.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz explores the concept of stereotype threat and its significant effects on performance across various contexts. It delves into the definition, consequences, and internal attributions related to stereotype threat, emphasizing its impact particularly in academic and social settings.
