Chapter 15: Problem 5

How does stereotype threat come to undermine the performance of negatively stereotyped groups?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Stereotype threat is a psychological phenomenon where individuals from negatively stereotyped groups experience anxiety about confirming negative stereotypes, leading to decreased performance. Factors contributing to stereotype threat include personal identification with the group, awareness and belief in the stereotype, and situational cues. Stereotype threat affects performance by increasing anxiety, impairing cognitive functioning, and decreasing motivation. Reducing stereotype threat can be achieved by educating individuals about the phenomenon, focusing on personal abilities, fostering a growth mindset, creating a supportive environment, and avoiding the emphasis of group differences.

Step by step solution

Define Stereotype Threat

Stereotype threat is a psychological phenomenon in which individuals from negatively stereotyped groups experience an increased worry or anxiety about confirming the negative stereotypes about their group. This can lead to a decrease in their performance, especially in tasks or tests that are highly related to the stereotype.

Factors Contributing to Stereotype Threat

There are several factors that contribute to stereotype threat. Some of these factors include: 1. Personal identification with the negatively stereotyped group 2. Awareness of the negative stereotype 3. A belief in the stereotype's validity 4. Anxiety or stress related to the possibility of confirming the stereotype 5. Situational cues that make the stereotype salient (e.g., being the only member of one's group in a test-taking setting)

Effects of Stereotype Threat on Performance

Stereotype threat can negatively affect performance in several ways: 1. Increased anxiety and stress can impair cognitive functioning, leading to poorer performance on tasks 2. Worry about confirming a negative stereotype can result in a self-fulfilling prophecy, where one's fear of failure leads to poorer performance 3. Stereotype threat can also cause a decrease in motivation to succeed, as individuals may attribute any previous success to luck or external factors rather than their own abilities

Reducing Stereotype Threat

There are several methods that can be used to reduce stereotype threat: 1. Educate individuals about stereotype threat, so they understand the reasons for their anxiety and can recognize when it occurs 2. Encourage individuals to focus on their own abilities and strengths, rather than on the stereotype 3. Foster a growth mindset, emphasizing that knowledge and skills can be improved through hard work and dedication 4. Create a supportive and inclusive environment where all individuals feel valued and respected, regardless of their background or group membership 5. Avoid emphasizing group differences, as this may inadvertently trigger stereotype threat

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Psychology Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

How does stereotype threat come to undermine the performance of negatively stereotyped groups?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Define Stereotype Threat

Factors Contributing to Stereotype Threat

Effects of Stereotype Threat on Performance

Reducing Stereotype Threat

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Psychology Textbooks

Individual Differences Psychology

Stress

Scientific Foundations of Psychology

Careers in Psychology

Research Methods in Psychology

Eating Behaviour

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.