Lecture Notes on Stereotype Activation and Application

Introduction to Stereotypes

• Activation of Stereotypes
  • Once activated, stereotypes may not always be applied.
  • Strongly activated stereotypes are more likely to be acted upon.

Factors Influencing Stereotype Application

Motivation

• Inhibition of Stereotypes

  • Strong motivation can inhibit stereotype application.
  • For example, wanting to appear fair-minded in a diverse group.

• Comprehension Goals

  • A desire to understand individuals reduces stereotype application.
  • Accurate impressions discourage reliance on stereotypes.

• Cognitive Style

  • High need for cognition: more motivated to avoid stereotypes.
  • Low need for cognition: likely to use stereotypes for simplicity.

External and Personal Threats

• Physical and Self-Esteem Threats
  • Perceived threats can increase reliance on stereotypes.
  • Example: student evaluations of professors based on gender.

Power Dynamics

• Power and Stereotyping
  • High-power individuals are more likely to stereotype.
  • Low-power individuals seek individuating information to please superiors.

Cognitive Load

• Working Memory
  • Busy working memory can prevent stereotype activation.
  • If activated, a busy working memory prevents inhibition of stereotype application.

Consequences of Stereotype Application

Biased Interactions

• Perception and Evaluation
  • Stereotypes lead to biased perceptions and evaluations.
  • Example: racial profiling and biases in academic settings.

Influence on Individual and Cultural Evaluation

• Social Ostracism
  • Stereotyped individuals and cultural artifacts face negative evaluations.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecies

• Entity and Incremental Theories of Personality

  • Fixed personality beliefs maintain stereotypes.
  • Malleable personality beliefs allow for stereotype change.

• Self-Fulfilling Prophecy Mechanism

  • Expectations can influence behavior, leading to confirmation of stereotypes.
  • Example: Teacher expectations affecting student performance.

Stereotype Change Models

Models of Changing Stereotypes

• Bookkeeping Model

  • Incremental change with repeated exposure to disconfirming information.

• Conversion Model

  • Abrupt change in stereotype due to significant disconfirming evidence.

• Subtyping Model

  • Creation of subtypes to accommodate exceptions, allowing original stereotypes to persist.

Functions of Stereotypes

Psychological and Social Functions

• Ego-Defensive Function

  • Protect ego by derogating others.

• Conformity and Group Membership

  • Pressure to conform to group stereotypes, even when personally disagreeing.

Reactions to Feeling Different

• Distancing, Denial, Defensiveness, Devaluing, Discovery
  • Various reactions to feeling different from others can combat stereotypes.

Discussion Points

• Exploration of reactions to feeling different and their role in combating stereotypes.