Explain one theory of the formation of stereotypes with reference to one study.

Question 1

Stereotypes

Answer 1

Stereotypes are oversimplified and generalised social perceptions (schemas) of an individual in terms of group membership or physical attributes. They are widely held beliefs about the characteristics of a certain group.

Question 2

Theory that explains the formation of stereotypes

Answer 2

Illusory correlation theory

Question 3

Illusory Correlation Theory

Answer 3

which suggests that stereotypes develop when people perceive a relationship between two variables (such as a social group and a particular behavior), even when no such relationship exists.
- According to this theory, people tend to overestimate the frequency of events that are distinctive or unusual, particularly when these events involve members of minority groups.
- This can lead to the development of stereotypes because individuals are more likely to notice and remember behaviors that are consistent with their pre-existing beliefs about certain groups.

Question 4

aim

Answer 4

Hamilton and Gifford (1976) conducted an experiment which aimed to investigate how stereotypes, particularly negative stereotypes about minority groups, might form due to illusory correlations.

Question 5

Sample

Answer 5

40 American undergraduate students – 20 male, 20 female

Question 6

procedure

Answer 6

participants were shown a series of statements about individuals from two groups: Group A (the majority, with 26 people) and Group B (the minority, with 13 people).
- part. were told that group B was smaller before the exp.
- Each statement described either a positive or negative behavior, with both groups having the same proportion of positive and negative behaviors.
- Participants were asked to rate members of each group on a series of 20 traits
- after they were given a booklet with statements they had assign to person either in group A or B
- at the end they were asked how many statements for each group were undesirable

Question 7

results

Answer 7

The results showed that participants associated more negative traits with the minority group (Group B), despite equal proportions of negative behaviors in both groups.
- in the booklet, participants correctly recalled more positive traits for group A than for group B, and more negative traits for group B than for group A

Question 9

Link

Answer 9

The researchers argued that these results were the result of an illusory correlation. The proportion of negative to positive statements about each group was the same, so there was no actual correlation between belonging to the minority group and bad traits. The negative traits were more distinct in the minority group, because of the smaller group size and appeared to be representative of the group. The participants had made the illusory correlation between a number of the minority group and negative behaviour. This could lead to stereotypes being created that all members of the minority group had negative traits.