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Construal level mind-sets moderate self- and social stereotyping
Sean M McCrea1, Frank Wieber, Andrea L Myers
1Department of Psychology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA. smccrea@uwyo.edu
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|November 9, 2011
Summary
Abstract thinking influences social stereotyping. Activating abstract construal mindsets increases stereotype use for both self and others, impacting group identification and performance.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Construal level theory differentiates abstract (high-level, desirability-focused) and concrete (low-level, feasibility-focused) representations.
- Social targets, like the self, can be construed broadly (group) or narrowly (individual).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how abstract versus concrete construal mindsets influence social stereotyping.
- To examine the effect of construal levels on self-stereotyping, group identification, and performance.
Main Methods:
- Participants were induced into either an abstract or concrete construal mindset through an unrelated task.
- Stereotype activation, self-trait ratings, group identification, and performance were measured.
Main Results:
- Abstract construal mindsets led to increased activation and use of stereotypes.
- Participants in abstract mindsets showed stereotype-consistent self-ratings, higher group identification, and improved stereotype-consistent performance.
- Concrete construal mindsets yielded opposite effects.
Conclusions:
- Nonsocial contextual factors, specifically construal level mindsets, significantly impact social stereotyping.
- Abstract thinking enhances the perceived fit between individuals and social categories, promoting stereotype use.
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