Stereotype Threat

Question 1

What is Stereotype Threat?

Answer 1

A psychological threat that is experienced when a person fears they are confirming a negative stereotype about their group

Question 2

What is the core schematic of Stereotype Threat?

Answer 2

Negative Stereotype + Group Identification > Situational Activation > Psychological Threat > Anxiety + Cognitive Load > Performance Impairment

Question 3

What is the evidence for Stereotype Threat?

Answer 3

Steele and Aronson Study where black students performed worse on a test that was told to measure intelligence compared to when they were told it does not measure anything

Question 4

Who experiences Stereotype Threat?

Answer 4

Black and Latinx, Women in Stem, Older Adults, LGBTQ+, White men

Question 5

How do you reduce Stereotype Threat?

Answer 5

Reframe tasks as non-diagnostic, promoting growth mindset, providing roles models along with self-affirmation exercises.