Week 10

Question 1

Can we correct stereotype-biased judgements after the fact?

Answer 1

Yes, but it requires several things:
- acknowledging our biases/ that our judgement(s) may have been affected by stereotypes.
- time and motivation.
- make a conscious effort to avoid being influenced by them.

Question 2

Study that intentionally activating counter-stereotypical information?

Answer 2

Blair, Ma, and Lenton (2001) asked students to generate images of “strong women”. Led to diminishing stereotyping of women as ‘weak’ on subsequent implicit measures.

Question 3

What is confirmation bias?

Answer 3

Search for, interpret, favour, and recall information in a way that confirms one’s pre-existing beliefs.

Question 4

What is the self-fulfilling prophecy?

Answer 4

Based on their stereotypes, people treat others in ways that elicit stereotypical behaviour.

Question 5

What is tokenism?

Answer 5

Favouring a minority group member over a majority group member in isolated episodes.
Can be used, consciously or unconsciously, to disguise prejudice.

Question 6

What is contact theory?

Answer 6

Bringing together members of opposing groups should improve intergroup relations.

Question 7

What four things create the optimal conditions for contact theory? (Allport, 1954)

Answer 7

• equality of status
• common goals
• intergroup co-operation
• support of authorities, law, or custom.

Question 8

What is the realistic conflict theory? (Sherif, 1954, 1958, 1961)

Answer 8

• Intergroup conflict is the outcome of a conflict of interests between an in-group and an out-group.
• negative prejudices, and stereotypes are the result of competition between groups for desired resources.
• conflict of interest generates negative attitudes and behaviours towards other group members.

Question 9

What is extended contact?

Answer 9

Virtual or vicarious contact - used if contact is not possible.
People are less prejudiced if they are friends with people who have outgroup friends.

Question 10

What is imagined contact?

Answer 10

Prejudice can be temporarily reduced by imagining a positive episode with an outgroup member.
But can also amplify pre-existing tensions and negative associations unless positive aspects are included.

Question 11

What is the contact hypothesis?

Answer 11

Bringing groups of people together will decrease stereotyping and prejudice.

Question 12

What is mental suppression?

Answer 12

People may try to overcome the effects of stereotyping and prejudice by supressing stereotypic thoughts.
The more people supress prejudice over time, the more their feelings help them control prejudice. e.g. guilt and self-reflection.

Question 13

Can suppression backfire?

Answer 13

Can be successful, but only in the short term. Can lead to a rebound effect.

Question 14

Can suppression backfire?

Answer 14

Can be successful, but only in the short term. Can lead to a rebound effect.