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When stereotypes get in the way: stereotypes obstruct stereotype-inconsistent trait inferences.
Danïel H J Wigboldus1, Ap Dijksterhuis, Ad van Knippenberg
1Department of Social Psychology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. dwigboldus@fmg.uva.nl
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|March 15, 2003
Summary
People form spontaneous trait inferences from observing others. However, stereotype-inconsistent behaviors weaken these inferences due to inhibitory processes, impacting stereotype maintenance.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Individuals frequently form trait inferences from observing others' behavior.
- Stereotypes are known to influence social cognition and judgment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how stereotypes affect spontaneous trait inferences.
- To examine the underlying mechanisms of these effects.
Main Methods:
- A series of 5 experiments were conducted.
- Participants observed behaviors and made spontaneous trait inferences.
- Behavioral information varied in consistency with activated stereotypes.
Main Results:
- Spontaneous trait inferences were weaker for stereotype-inconsistent behaviors compared to consistent or neutral information.
- Inhibitory processes appear to obstruct inferences when behavior contradicts a stereotype.
Conclusions:
- Stereotype-inconsistent information is processed differently, leading to reduced spontaneous trait inferences.
- Findings contribute to understanding stereotype maintenance and attribution models.