Stereotypes
SAQs
● Explain how stereotypes may influence human behaviour.
● Explain how and/or why stereotypes are formed.
ERQs
● Discuss research related to stereotypes.
● Evaluate one study or theory related to stereotypes.
● Discuss the formation or effects of stereotypes.
The Theory
● They are biased
● Some occur as a result of actual differences between groups
● Different from other schemas to do with objects & situations
● Simplified & ignore details
● But not inaccurate
● Other stereotypes are harmful
● Represent distorted, inaccurate reality
● Suggests differences between groups when there are none
● This is the focus of psychological research into stereotypes
Illusory Correlation Cognitive mechanism leading people to believe 2 things are
related when in fact they are not
Self- fulfilling Change in an individual’s behaviour as a result of other’s
Prophecy expectations of their behaviour
Stereotype Over-generalised, preconceived notion about a group of people
(cognitive beliefs)
Prejudice Attitudes intended to make generalisations about a group
Discrimination Behaviour intended to make generalisations about a group
Stereotype Threat Anticipation of a situation that can potentially confirm a negative
stereotype about one’s group
Formation of Stereotypes
● Illusory correlation & social categorisation
● Illusory → when encoded serially presented information
● Explains negative stereotypes like towards minority groups
● Only occurs in memory based judgements
SAQs
● Explain how stereotypes may influence human behaviour.
● Explain how and/or why stereotypes are formed.
ERQs
● Discuss research related to stereotypes.
● Evaluate one study or theory related to stereotypes.
● Discuss the formation or effects of stereotypes.
The Theory
● They are biased
● Some occur as a result of actual differences between groups
● Different from other schemas to do with objects & situations
● Simplified & ignore details
● But not inaccurate
● Other stereotypes are harmful
● Represent distorted, inaccurate reality
● Suggests differences between groups when there are none
● This is the focus of psychological research into stereotypes
Illusory Correlation Cognitive mechanism leading people to believe 2 things are
related when in fact they are not
Self- fulfilling Change in an individual’s behaviour as a result of other’s
Prophecy expectations of their behaviour
Stereotype Over-generalised, preconceived notion about a group of people
(cognitive beliefs)
Prejudice Attitudes intended to make generalisations about a group
Discrimination Behaviour intended to make generalisations about a group
Stereotype Threat Anticipation of a situation that can potentially confirm a negative
stereotype about one’s group
Formation of Stereotypes
● Illusory correlation & social categorisation
● Illusory → when encoded serially presented information
● Explains negative stereotypes like towards minority groups
● Only occurs in memory based judgements
