Formation of stereotypes

Question 1

Stereotype

Answer 1

Social schemas stemming from applying generalised characteristics or motives to a group of individuals, giving the same characteristics to all people in the group, regardless of the individual characteristics actually present.

Question 2

Social schema

Answer 2

Mental representations that are derived from prior experience and knowledge. Schemas help us to predict what to expect based on what has happened before. They are used to organise our knowledge, to assist recall, to guide our behaviour, and to help us to make sense of current experiences.

Question 3

Social identity theory

Answer 3

Suggests all individuals belong to a group and are likely to derive their sense of identity, at least in part, from that group.

Question 4

Illusory correlation

Answer 4

Seeing a relationship between two variables even when there is none.

Question 5

Prejudice

Answer 5

A predisposition against a person due to their group membership.

Question 6

Discrimination

Answer 6

Negative behaviour towards a person or group based on their membership of that group.