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1 - Stereotype Formation

The document discusses the concept of stereotypes, defining them as generalized and fixed perceptions of groups that are influenced by social and cultural factors. It highlights the role of social categorization in the formation of stereotypes and mentions various theories explaining their origins, such as Social Identity Theory and illusory correlations. Additionally, it outlines tasks for students to explore the formation and effects of stereotypes through research and critical analysis.

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Srivas Kumara
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13 views2 pages

1 - Stereotype Formation

The document discusses the concept of stereotypes, defining them as generalized and fixed perceptions of groups that are influenced by social and cultural factors. It highlights the role of social categorization in the formation of stereotypes and mentions various theories explaining their origins, such as Social Identity Theory and illusory correlations. Additionally, it outlines tasks for students to explore the formation and effects of stereotypes through research and critical analysis.

Uploaded by

Srivas Kumara
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Sociocultural Approach to Understanding Behavior

The Individual and the Group

Stereotypes - Formation

A stereotype is a generalized and rather fixed way of thinking about a group of people. The development and effect of
stereotypes should be addressed with reference to one or more examples.

Stereotypes are a salient part of our social and cultural environment. We learn them through daily interactions,
conversations and through the media. Stereotypes are, to some extent, based on individual experiences but cultural
and social factors also play a role, i.e. stereotypes are contextualized and not simply the results of individual cognitive
processing. Stereotypes can be shared by large sociocultural groups as social representations. The most common
cognitive process involved in stereotyping is social categorization (Tajfel, 1969). Categorization (and stereotyping)
seems to be fundamental to human nature and it helps to make the world more predictable. Once stereotypes are
formed, they act as cognitive schemas in informational processing.

On Paper 1, Students may be asked about the formation and/or effects of stereotyping. In other words,
students should be able to write an ERQ for both of these aspects of stereotyping.

Remember we have looked at schemas in the Cognitive Approach. There may be some other experiments
that work for this too! We will be using the stereotype notes in today's folder to assist.

1. Define ‘stereotype’.

2. What kinds of stereotypes do you know/see?

3. The “Origins of Stereotypes Task” document will have you thinking about research before covering the
theories in a later task. The document focuses on three common theories about the origins of
stereotypes: Social Identity Theory, Conformity to group norms and by making illusory correlations -
that is, connections that don't really exist. For each study, identify the theory that is being used to
explain the origins of stereotyping. Then identify at least one limitation of the study.

Study Theory Limitation

Schaller (1991) (SIT


Study)

Rogers and Frantz


(1961)

Hamilton and Gifford


(1976)

4. Define social categorization.

5. Define illusory correlation.


6. Summarise the following study.
Hamilton and Gifford (1976)

Aim

Method

Results

Conclusion

Evaluation

Ethical Considerations

Connection to
‘Formation of
stereotypes’

7. Watch the following video by Susan Fiske and write down two bullet points about it.

8. What role does confirmation bias play in stereotyping?

9. What do we mean when we say that a stereotype is a "schema?"

10. How can Social Identity Theory be used to explain the origin of stereotyping?

11. With regard to the sample in the study by Rogers & Frantz, what is the problem with their conclusion
about conformity to group norms over time?

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