Shih, Pittinsky and Ambady Study (socio)

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To investigate the possibility of stereotypes having potential positive and negative effects on behavior.

Question 2

Procedure

Answer 2

• Approx 50 asian female undergrad student from Harvard
• Participants randomly allocated into one of three conditions: Asian-identity condition, gender-identity condition and control
• Before taking the test they were asked a range of question that differed in each condition
• In asian-identity condition, they were asked questions related to their heritage (eg. how may generations of their family had lived in america) - aiming to “activate” stereotype that Asian students are good at math
• Gender-identity condition were asked question related to gender (eg. did they prefer co-ed or single sex dorms) - aiming to “activate” stereotype that girls are not good at math
• In the control condition, the question were meaningless questions about television or phone services
• After these questions, participants complete a math test

Question 3

Findings

Answer 3

• Significant difference in % of correct answers: asian-identity: 54%, control: 49%, gender-identity: 43%
• Supports idea that negative stereotypes can have a negative impact on performance (stereotype threat) and positive stereotypes can have a positive effect on performance (stereotype boost)

Question 4

Limitations

Answer 4

• Small sample
• Temporal validity (could similar findings be found today?)
• Cross-cultural validity (would these findings hold true in other cultures, especially in asian cultures?)

Question 5

Ethical Considerations

Answer 5

• Protection from harm (potential for negative stereotypes to have negative impact on participants)

Question 6

Research Method

Answer 6

Experiment