Explain one study of stereotyping SAQ

Question 1

origin of stereotyping (1)

Answer 1

Stereotyping is a form of generalization where one judges an individual based on group membership or physical attributes.

Question 2

origin of stereotyping (2)

Answer 2

As our social world is very complex, it needs to be simplified—we look for ‘trends’ to make info processing easier via mental shortcuts. Thus, we may form biases in our cognition which cause prejudice, influencing our social behaviors and cause discriminatory behaviours.

Question 3

origin of stereotyping (3)

Answer 3

A theory about the origin of stereotyping is an illusory correlation. Illusory correlation is when people perceive a correlation between two variables when no actual relationship between the variables exists.

Question 4

origin of stereotyping (4)

Answer 4

A false correlation is the result of the fact that rare or surprising behaviours are more salient and thus we tend to notice and remember them more. This results in a cognitive bias that can affect one’s judgement and perception of an individual.

Question 5

Hamilton and Gifford (1)

Answer 5

Hamilton and Gifford carried out a study to test the relationship between group size and one’s perception of the group’s traits.

Question 6

Hamilton and Gifford (2)

Answer 6

In the study, they showed participants statements about two groups simply called Group A and Group B. Group B was smaller than Group A and was thus the minority group.

Question 7

Hamilton and Gifford (3)

Answer 7

The statements were about individuals in each group and showed them either exhibiting positive or negative traits and behaviors. The proportion of positive to negative statements was the same in each group.

Question 8

Hamilton and Gifford (4)

Answer 8

After being shown these statements, the participants were asked to estimate how many positive and negative traits each group had.

Question 9

Hamilton and Gifford (5)

Answer 9

Hamilton and Gifford found that the participants overestimated the number of negative traits for the minority group and rated the minority group’s behavior more negatively overall.

Question 10

link to illusory correlation (1)

Answer 10

The researchers argued that these results were the result of an illusory correlation. The proportion of negative to positive statements about each group was the same, so there was no actual correlation between belonging to the minority group and bad traits.

Question 11

link to illusory correlation (2)

Answer 11

The negative traits were more distinct in the minority group, because of the smaller group size and appeared to be representative of the group.

Question 12

link to illusory correlation (3)

Answer 12

The participants had made the illusory correlation between a number of the minority group and negative behavior. This could lead to stereotypes being created that all members of the minority group had negative traits.

Question 13

explain one study of stereotyping SAQ

Answer 13

one study of stereotyping is the study by Hamilton and Gifford. stereotyping is….

hamilton and gifford carried out a..

The researchers argued that these results…

Question 14

evaluation of Hamilton and Gifford (1) ERQ

Answer 14

The researchers created two groups, A and B, for which there would be no pre-existing stereotypes. This increased the level of internal validity. (cause and effect)

Question 15

evaluation of Hamilton and Gifford (2) ERQ

Answer 15

It was, however, highly artificial - meaning that ecological validity was low. We cannot know to what extent this predicts the development of stereotypes under natural conditions. In real life, there is much more context to making stereotypes - this could include economic competition, legitimate or unwarranted fear of others, institutionalized racism or prejudice, and/or actual experiences with members of the other group.

Question 16

evaluation of formation of stereotypes

Answer 16

Studying the formation of stereotypes is difficult to do in a naturalistic setting. There are too many extraneous variables that would lower the internal validity of the research. It is also not possible to “see” a person’s thinking. Psychologists have to make assumptions about the process which resulted in a stereotype. It is also difficult to measure someone’s “in-group bias” or the level of “salience” – even in a lab situation. However, stereotyping seems to be a natural cognitive process. In order for us to simplify our understanding of the world around us, we create schema that generalize about a group. So, when talking about “Americans”, everyone has a general sense of who we are talking about. This oversimplification of the world means that we have to consciously try not to stereotype and to recognize people’s individuality.