S3) Stereotypes

Question 1

What are stereotypes?

Answer 1

- Stereotypes are generalisations we make about specific social groups, and members of those groups

• Stereotypes overlook individuality

Question 2

How do stereotypes affect how we store memories and organise knowledge?

Answer 2

• Saving ‘processing power’
• Allows anticipation
• Avoids ‘information overload’

Question 3

Why are stereotypes problematic?

Answer 3

• Prone to an emphasis on negative traits
• Resistant to change
• Broadly correct but can be erroneous

Question 4

Explain the role of groups in forming stereotypes

Answer 4

• Groups are a source of self-identity & self-esteem
• Assign people to categories to help understand social environment
• Social comparison builds self-esteem

Question 5

What is negative about forming groups in relation to stereotypes?

Answer 5

Negative bias in many stereotypes leads to prejudice:

• Focuses on negative attributes of people from other social groups
• Focuses on positive attributes of people in their own

Question 6

Using their individual definitions, illustrate the link between stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination

Answer 6

• Stereotypes (cognitive component) – organisation of semantic knowledge in schemata
• Prejudice (evaluative component) – attitudes & pre-judgement often based on negative stereotypes
• Discrimination (behavioural component) – behaving differently with people from different groups

Question 7

Identify 3 situations when we most likely to rely on stereotypes

Answer 7

• Under time pressure
• Fatigued
• Sufferring information overload

Question 8

How can we challenge negative stereotypes?

Answer 8

• Get to know members of other groups helps challenge negative stereotypes
• Reflective practice