Chapter 17 (Attitudes and Stereotypes) Flashcards
Define Attitude
A positive or negative evaluation of a person, object, event or idea.
Define Prejudice
An unfavourable or negative evaluation towards a group of people, based on incorrect information about the group (not towards an isolated individual).
Define Stereotypes
To be under the impression that certain groups of people have particular characteristics that are typical of them. The most common stereotypes are gander, age, ethnicity and occupation.
Define Discrimination
The action that expresses the attitude of prejudice and is often towards an individual who is the victim .
What is the difference between prejudice and discrimination?
Prejudice is a feeling/behaviour whereas discrimination is an action. Prejudice can result in acts of discrimination.
What are ways of preventing prejudice?
Education Intergroup contact Cognitive interventions Setting superordinate goals Direct experience
Education
Education programs in schools to teach children about tolerance, consequences of prejudice and what constitutes to discrimination.
Intergroup Contact
Reducing prejudice by direct contact between groups of people who have prejudicial attitudes towards each other but must include these factors
> Sustained, interpersonal interactions between groups.
> Mutual interdependence where groups engage in cooperative activities.
> Equal status between groups.
> Social norms favouring the reduction of prejudice.
Cognitive Interventions
to make information available to individuals reduces stereotypes by minimising irrelevant information about groups of people.It is important to allow enough time for the individual to to process the information that contradict stereotypes.
Superordinate Goals
Working towards a common goal that involves both groups and the task is shared can facilitate knowledge and understanding between both of the groups.
Direct Experience
To experience the other groups lifestyle and culture can help reduce prejudice. This could include learning another language or about another culture, direct experience can help the the individual get a better understanding and can reduce ignorance.
What is the tri-componant of attitudes ?
A model that attempts to explain the structure of attitudes, also known as the ABC's of attitudes. It is made up of : AFFECTIVE BEHAVIOURS COGNITIVE BELIEFS
Affective
A persons feelings or emotional response to an attitude object.
Behaviours
A persons actions and intentions towards an attitude object.
Cognitive Beliefs
The knowledge and understanding a person has of an attitude object.
