Social psych stereotype threat flashcards

Explore the concept of stereotype threat in social psychology, including its effects, mechanisms, and real-world examples. This study set offers insights into how stereotype threat impacts performance and identity across various contexts.

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What is stereotype threat?

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Stereotype threat is a psychological phenomenon where individuals fear confirming negative stereotypes about their social group, which can hinder their performance.

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Quiz(56 questions)

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1. What can stereotype threat lead to during high-stakes testing?

Terms in this Study Set(56)

Understanding Stereotype Threat(16)

What is stereotype threat?

Stereotype threat is a psychological phenomenon where individuals fear confirming negative stereotypes about their social group, which can hinder their performance.

Who first identified stereotype threat?

Claude Steele and Joshua Aronson identified stereotype threat in the 1990s, showcasing its impact on academic performance.

True or False: Stereotype threat only affects minority groups.

False. Stereotype threat can affect anyone who identifies with a negatively stereotyped group, regardless of their background.

Fill in the blank: Stereotype threat can lead to __________ in performance.

decreased performance

Cause → Effect: Stereotype threat leads to...

anxiety, decreased motivation, and impaired performance.

Comparison: Stereotype threat vs. self-fulfilling prophecy.

Stereotype threat is about fear of confirming stereotypes, while self-fulfilling prophecy is about expectations leading to fulfilling outcomes.

What are the main components of stereotype threat theory?

1. Awareness of stereotypes. 2. Fear of confirming stereotypes. 3. Pressure leading to anxiety and reduced performance.

Example of stereotype threat in academics?

A female student may underperform in math if she is reminded of the stereotype that women are worse at math.

What is the role of identity in stereotype threat?

Identity salience influences the impact of stereotype threat; stronger identification with a group means greater susceptibility.

True or False: Stereotype threat is only relevant in high-stakes situations.

False. Stereotype threat can occur in both high-stakes and low-stakes situations.

What happens under stereotype threat?

Individuals may experience stress, self-doubt, and distraction, which impede their focus and performance.

Origin of the term 'stereotype threat'?

The term emerged from research on race and academic achievement, highlighting the disparity in performance due to societal stereotypes.

What is a common misconception about stereotype threat?

That it only affects those who are directly targeted by the stereotype; it can influence all individuals associated with the group.

What role does anxiety play in stereotype threat?

Anxiety increases under stereotype threat, leading to cognitive overload and impaired performance.

Fill in the blank: The theory suggests that stereotype threat can perpetuate __________.

existing inequalities.

What research method is often used to study stereotype threat?

Experimental studies, often involving controlled tests, assess the impact of reminders of stereotypes on performance.

Impact and Mechanisms(20)

What is stereotype threat?

Stereotype threat is the risk of confirming negative stereotypes about one's group, which can adversely affect performance.

How does stereotype threat impact performance?

It can lead to anxiety, reduced working memory, and ultimately poorer performance on tasks.

True or False: Stereotype threat only affects minorities.

False. It can affect anyone who identifies with a negative stereotype.

Identify psychological mechanisms of stereotype threat.

- Anxiety - Reduced self-efficacy - Distracted attention - Decreased working memory

Cause of stereotype threat → Effect on performance?

Increased anxiety leads to lower test scores.

Fill in the blank: Stereotype threat can cause ______ in performance levels.

a decrease

What can stereotype threat lead to in academic settings?

It can result in lower grades, decreased interest in subjects, and increased dropout rates.

Describe how stereotype threat affects cognitive load.

It increases cognitive load, reducing the mental resources available for task performance.

True or False: Stereotype threat only occurs during tests.

False. It can occur in various situations, including group discussions or presentations.

Comparison: Stereotype threat vs. self-fulfilling prophecy.

Stereotype threat is about anxiety from expectations; self-fulfilling prophecy involves actions reinforcing beliefs.

How does stereotype threat relate to identity?

It can cause individuals to disidentify with the domain where the threat occurs, leading to disengagement.

What happens when individuals are aware of stereotype threat?

Awareness can heighten anxiety, worsening performance, especially under evaluative conditions.

Give an example of stereotype threat in sports.

A female athlete underperforming in a male-dominated sport due to fear of confirming gender stereotypes.

How do stereotype threat effects persist over time?

Repeated experiences can solidify beliefs about one's abilities, affecting long-term self-esteem and motivation.

What cognitive processes are disrupted by stereotype threat?

Working memory and focus, leading to difficulty processing information and completing tasks.

Fill in the blank: The presence of evaluative pressure exacerbates ______ threat.

stereotype

What is a common physiological response to stereotype threat?

Heightened stress responses, such as increased heart rate and cortisol levels.

How does stereotype threat influence group dynamics?

It can create tension, reduce collaboration, and hinder group performance.

What are long-term effects of stereotype threat on career choices?

It may deter individuals from pursuing careers in affected domains, limiting opportunities.

True or False: Stereotype threat is always conscious.

False. Individuals may not be aware of the threat affecting their performance.

Real-World Examples(12)

How does stereotype threat affect test performance?

It can lead to anxiety, lower confidence, and decreased performance on standardized tests.

True or False: Stereotype threat only affects minorities.

False. It can affect anyone if they belong to a group with negative stereotypes.

Example of stereotype threat in education?

A female student underperforms in math when reminded of the stereotype that girls are less competent in math.

Compare two scenarios of stereotype threat.

1. A Black student in a predominantly White school. 2. A woman in a male-dominated engineering program.

Fill in the blank: Stereotype threat can lead to ____ in performance.

decreases

How can the workplace illustrate stereotype threat?

Employees may perform poorly if they fear confirming negative stereotypes about their demographic group.

What happens when students are reminded of stereotypes?

They often experience increased stress and lower test scores, confirming the stereotype.

Example of stereotype threat in job interviews?

A woman might perform worse if she is aware of stereotypes suggesting women are less capable leaders.

True or False: Stereotype threat has no impact on creativity.

False. It can stifle creativity by causing individuals to focus on avoiding negative judgments.

What is a common setting for stereotype threat?

Standardized testing situations where diverse groups are present.

Cause of stereotype threat in academic settings?

The presence of negative stereotypes about one's social group in the context of academic achievement.

How does stereotype threat affect group dynamics?

It can create tension and mistrust among team members, impacting collaboration and productivity.

Mitigation Strategies(8)

What is a common mitigation strategy for stereotype threat?

Encouraging a growth mindset—believing abilities can improve through effort.

True or False: Having role models can reduce stereotype threat.

True. Role models provide examples of success and can inspire confidence.

Fill in the blank: __________ can help individuals reframe their anxiety as excitement.

Reframing.

Question: How does self-affirmation mitigate stereotype threat?

It boosts self-esteem, allowing individuals to focus more on tasks than on stereotypes.

What can educators do to create an inclusive environment?

- Use diverse teaching materials - Promote collaborative learning - Encourage open discussions.

Comparison: Growth mindset vs. fixed mindset

Growth mindset sees challenges as opportunities; fixed mindset fears failure and avoids challenges.

Cause: How can reminders of personal values help?

Effect: They can reduce anxiety about stereotypes and enhance performance.

Short example of stereotype threat mitigation in practice.

A study showed that telling students about diverse scientists improved their performance in STEM fields.

Questions in this Study Set(56)

1. What can stereotype threat lead to during high-stakes testing?

A.Increased anxiety
B.Enhanced focus
C.Higher test scores
D.Reduced preparation time

2. What best describes stereotype threat?

A.A risk of confirming negative stereotypes about one's group
B.A psychological strategy to enhance performance
C.A method of self-affirmation
D.An educational tool

3. What does the term 'stereotype threat' refer to?

A.The fear of confirming negative stereotypes about one's group.
B.The belief that one's performance is predetermined.
C.The inability to perform under pressure.
D.The act of blaming others for personal failures.

4. What strategy involves teaching that intelligence and abilities can develop over time?

A.Encouraging a growth mindset
B.Promoting fixed mindset
C.Using stereotype reinforcement
D.Limiting participation

5. True or False: Stereotype threat can only be experienced by students from underrepresented groups.

A.True
B.False
C.Only in STEM fields
D.Only in artistic fields

6. Which of the following is a psychological mechanism of stereotype threat?

A.Increased self-esteem
B.Reduced working memory
C.Improved focus
D.Heightened motivation

7. Who were the primary researchers behind the concept of stereotype threat?

A.Claude Steele and Joshua Aronson
B.Albert Bandura and Carl Rogers
C.Leon Festinger and Solomon Asch
D.Erik Erikson and Anna Freud

8. Which of the following is NOT a method to reduce stereotype threat in educational settings?

A.Using diverse role models
B.Providing feedback
C.Encouraging competition
D.Promoting collaborative work

9. Which is an example of stereotype threat in sports?

A.A coach encouraging all players equally
B.A female athlete feeling pressure to perform despite stereotypes about women's strength
C.A male athlete succeeding without any pressure
D.A team working together on strategies

10. True or False: Stereotype threat impacts people from all social backgrounds.

A.True
B.False
C.Only minorities
D.Only women

11. True or False: Stereotype threat only impacts individuals in minority groups.

A.True
B.False
C.Only in academic settings
D.Only in sports

12. Fill in the blank: __________ can help individuals focus on their strengths instead of worrying about stereotypes.

A.Self-affirmation
B.Comparison
C.Minimization
D.Isolation

13. Compare the effects of stereotype threat on two different groups: women in STEM vs. men in liberal arts. What is true?

A.Women may feel less competent in STEM, men do not face stereotypes
B.Both may experience pressure, but the stereotypes differ
C.Men always outperform women
D.Stereotypes do not affect performance in liberal arts

14. How does stereotype threat influence academic performance?

A.It enhances collaboration among students
B.It increases focus on tasks
C.It may lead to lower grades and increased dropout rates
D.It encourages greater interest in subjects

15. Fill in the blank: Stereotype threat can result in __________ performance in challenging situations.

A.increased
B.decreased
C.consistent
D.average

16. What is a potential effect of discussing the achievements of individuals from diverse backgrounds?

A.It increases stereotype activation
B.It boosts performance in related fields
C.It isolates individuals
D.It promotes negative comparisons

17. Fill in the blank: Stereotype threat often results in ____ of individuals' true abilities.

A.Exaggeration
B.Underestimation
C.Overexposure
D.Demonstration

18. Fill in the blank: Stereotype threat can lead to ______ in cognitive performance.

A.an increase
B.a decrease
C.no change
D.improvement

19. What are some common effects of stereotype threat?

A.Increased confidence and performance
B.Anxiety and decreased motivation
C.Improved focus and clarity
D.Enhanced group cohesion

20. How does creating an inclusive classroom environment affect students?

A.It increases stereotype threat
B.It reduces anxiety and stereotype threat
C.It isolates students from mainstream ideas
D.It promotes only specific ideologies

21. How might stereotype threat manifest in a workplace setting?

A.Increased teamwork
B.Improved morale
C.Reduced performance due to fear of judgment
D.Enhanced creativity

22. Which is NOT a characteristic of stereotype threat?

A.Anxiety about confirming stereotypes
B.Increased working memory
C.Decreased self-efficacy
D.Distracted attention

23. How does stereotype threat differ from self-fulfilling prophecy?

A.Stereotype threat is about fear; self-fulfilling prophecy is about expectations.
B.They are the same phenomenon.
C.Stereotype threat occurs only in academic settings.
D.Self-fulfilling prophecy affects only individuals with high self-esteem.

24. Which statement best represents the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset?

A.Growth mindset avoids challenges; fixed mindset embraces them
B.Growth mindset sees abilities as fixed; fixed mindset sees them as changeable
C.Growth mindset believes abilities can improve; fixed mindset fears failure
D.Growth mindset focuses on competition; fixed mindset promotes collaboration

25. What is a likely outcome for students who are frequently reminded of negative stereotypes?

A.Improved test scores
B.Increased stress and anxiety
C.Higher levels of motivation
D.Increased engagement with learning

26. What can happen if individuals are aware of stereotype threat?

A.It can decrease anxiety levels
B.It can worsen performance under evaluative conditions
C.It has no effect on performance
D.It enhances motivation

27. Which of the following is NOT a main component of stereotype threat theory?

A.Awareness of stereotypes
B.Fear of confirming stereotypes
C.Confidence in abilities
D.Pressure leading to anxiety

28. What does reframing anxiety as excitement do for individuals facing stereotype threat?

A.It boosts anxiety levels
B.It leads to avoidance of situations
C.It helps improve performance
D.It reduces motivation

29. What is an example of stereotype threat during a job interview?

A.A candidate confidently discussing their achievements
B.An applicant feeling less competent due to gender stereotypes
C.A hiring manager treating all candidates equally
D.A group interview setting without pressure

30. Fill in the blank: Stereotype threat can create ______ in group dynamics.

A.cohesion
B.tension
C.collaboration
D.innovation

31. What is a common academic example of stereotype threat?

A.A student excelling in a math exam due to practice.
B.A female student underperforming in math when reminded of the stereotype that women are worse at math.
C.A student scoring high due to previous knowledge.
D.A student feeling confident before a math test.

32. Which technique can educators use to help reduce stereotype threat during assessments?

A.Provide stereotype-reinforcing feedback
B.Normalize discussions about stress
C.Focus exclusively on standardized testing
D.Encourage a fixed mindset

33. True or False: Stereotype threat can limit creativity in problem-solving.

A.True
B.False
C.Only in academic settings
D.Only in artistic settings

34. Which of the following is an example of stereotype threat in sports?

A.A male athlete excelling in a female-dominated sport
B.A female athlete fearing underperformance in a male-dominated sport
C.A coach encouraging teamwork
D.A referee making impartial decisions

35. What influence does identity have on stereotype threat?

A.Identity has no impact.
B.Stronger identification with a group increases susceptibility.
C.It only affects individuals with weak identities.
D.Identity is irrelevant to performance.

36. In what context is stereotype threat often observed?

A.Relaxed social gatherings
B.Standardized testing environments
C.Casual team meetings
D.Informal discussions

37. Which statement is true regarding stereotype threat?

A.It affects self-esteem positively.
B.It can lead to disengagement in academic domains.
C.It is always a conscious experience.
D.It only occurs in competitive scenarios.

38. True or False: Stereotype threat is only significant during high-stakes situations.

A.True
B.False
C.Only in competitive environments
D.Only in academic contexts

39. What typically causes stereotype threat in educational settings?

A.Positive feedback from teachers
B.The presence of negative stereotypes about one's social group
C.High self-esteem
D.Supportive peer interactions

40. How does stereotype threat impact cognitive load?

A.It decreases cognitive load, enhancing performance.
B.It increases cognitive load, reducing task performance.
C.It has no effect on cognitive load.
D.It solely affects physical performance.

41. What typical emotional responses do individuals experience under stereotype threat?

A.Joy and tranquility
B.Stress and self-doubt
C.Excitement and enthusiasm
D.Indifference and apathy

42. How does stereotype threat impact group dynamics in a team?

A.It fosters trust and collaboration
B.It can create tension and mistrust
C.It eliminates competition
D.It guarantees equal participation

43. What is a physiological response often associated with stereotype threat?

A.Lower heart rate
B.Increased cortisol levels
C.Relaxed muscles
D.Improved digestion

44. What is the historical context of stereotype threat?

A.It emerged from research focused on race and academic performance.
B.It originated from studies on consumer behavior.
C.It was developed in the field of sports psychology.
D.It is a recent concept with no historical basis.

45. Which of the following is an outcome of stereotype threat in the workplace?

A.Increased job satisfaction
B.Deterrence from pursuing certain careers
C.Enhanced team collaboration
D.Improved leadership opportunities

46. What is a common misconception regarding stereotype threat?

A.It only affects those who are directly stereotyped.
B.It can impact anyone associated with a negatively stereotyped group.
C.It is only relevant in educational settings.
D.It provides consistent performance benefits.

47. True or False: Stereotype threat always occurs consciously.

A.True
B.False
C.Only in competitive settings
D.Only in academic settings

48. How does anxiety contribute to stereotype threat?

A.It enhances cognitive performance.
B.It can lead to cognitive overload and impaired performance.
C.It has no effect on performance.
D.It always improves focus.

49. What is the relationship between stereotype threat and self-fulfilling prophecy?

A.They are identical concepts.
B.Stereotype threat is focused on anxiety; self-fulfilling prophecy involves actions reinforcing beliefs.
C.Both lead to improved performance.
D.Only self-fulfilling prophecy affects group dynamics.

50. Complete the statement: Stereotype threat can perpetuate __________ in society.

A.gender equality
B.existing inequalities
C.economic growth
D.educational success

51. Which of the following is an effect of stereotype threat on long-term self-esteem?

A.It has no effect.
B.It can solidify negative beliefs about abilities.
C.It uniformly boosts self-esteem.
D.It encourages personal growth.

52. What research method is commonly used to investigate stereotype threat?

A.Observational studies
B.Experimental studies involving controlled tests
C.Surveys and questionnaires
D.Longitudinal studies

53. How does evaluative pressure relate to stereotype threat?

A.It alleviates stereotype threat.
B.It exacerbates stereotype threat.
C.It has no relationship.
D.It only affects physical performance.

54. What is the impact of stereotype threat on working memory?

A.It decreases working memory capacity
B.It has no effect on working memory
C.It improves working memory capacity
D.It eliminates working memory distractions

55. In which scenario is stereotype threat likely to occur?

A.A comfort zone presentation
B.A mixed-gender sports competition
C.A job interview without expectations
D.A casual conversation with friends

56. Which of the following is NOT a consequence of stereotype threat?

A.Lower grades
B.Increased interest in subjects
C.Decreased self-esteem
D.Increased anxiety

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