seminar 5 Flashcards
What are stereotypes?
Cognitive structures consisting of beliefs and expectations about characteristics, traits, and behaviors of members of a social group.
What types of stereotypes exist?
Positive, negative, or mixed stereotypes. Often lead to prejudice and discrimination.
What is stereotype threat?
The fear of confirming a negative stereotype about one’s group, leading to underperformance.
What is the Social Categorization Theory?
People classify others into ingroups (our own group) and outgroups (others), leading to stereotypes.
What is the outgroup homogeneity effect?
The belief that outgroup members are more similar to each other than ingroup members are to one another.
What is the Social Identity Theory?
People maintain self-esteem through both personal and social identity. Negative stereotypes arise when social identity is threatened.
What is ingroup favoritism?
The tendency to favor one’s own group over others.
What is the Terror Management Theory?
Stereotyping and ingroup favoritism increase when people are reminded of their mortality.
What is Realistic Conflict Theory?
Intergroup conflict arises when groups compete for resources, leading to increased stereotype
What is confirmation bias?
The tendency to focus on information that confirms existing stereotypes and ignore contradictory evidence.
What is a self-fulfilling prophecy?
When expectations about someone’s behavior cause them to act in a way that confirms those expectations.
What is subtyping?
Creating a separate category for individuals who contradict a stereotype, allowing the stereotype to remain intact.
What is illusory correlation?
The tendency to overestimate the connection between rare events and social groups, especially with minority groups.
How are attributions related to stereotypes?
Stereotype-consistent behavior is attributed to internal traits, while stereotype-inconsistent behavior is attributed to external factors.
What is prejudice?
Negative feelings or attitudes toward a group based on stereotypes.
What is discrimination?
Negative actions directed toward a group based on stereotypes and prejudice.
What is stereotype threat in academic settings?
When people underperform due to fear of confirming a negative stereotype (e.g., women performing poorly in math due to the stereotype that they are bad at it).
How can exposure to outgroup members reduce stereotypes?
Increased contact with members of stereotyped groups can break down assumptions and reduce bias.
What is perspective-taking?
Thinking from another person’s perspective to reduce bias and stereotyping.
What are social norms against stereotyping?
Encouraging diversity and promoting social norms that oppose stereotyping can reduce prejudice and discrimination.
