Steele et al

Question 1

What can this study be used for?

Answer 1

Stereotype effects

Question 2

Background

Answer 2

• Stereotype is a preconceived notion about a group of people that is generalized. However, stereotype might not be intentional.
• We learn to assign characteristics to other groups from a very young age as it helps us organize our knowledge and make sense of the world around us
• Related to schema theory
• Stereotypes can result in discrimination
• Negative effects

Question 3

Year

Answer 3

Steele et al 2002

Question 4

Aim

Answer 4

Test the effects of stereotype threat on intellectual test performance in African American students

Question 5

Participants

Question 6

Procedure

Answer 6

• 30 minute test of sufficient difficulty
• 3 experimental conditions (2 diagnostic and 1 non diagnostic)
• 1st condition: stated that test measures intellectual ability
• 2nd condition: test described as problem-solving task unrelated to intellectual ability
• 3rd condition: test presented as a challenge, raising motivation

Question 7

Results

Answer 7

• AA students performed significantly worse in the diagnostic condition
• Equally as well in the other two conditions as white participants
• White students showed no differences between conditions

Question 8

Link to stereotype effects

Answer 8

• Shows how stereotype threat may affect performance

- Indirect effect. participant faces threat of conforming, becomes anxious, hence their performance declines