Stereotype Threat

Stereotypes are generalizations about a group of people we attribute as a defined set of characteristics to this group. These classifications can be positive or negative, such as when various nationalities are stereotyped as friendly or unfriendly. The use of stereotypes is a major way in which we simplify our social world, since they reduce the amount of processing, we have to do when we meet a new person. A good thing about stereotype is that it helps us to respond faster to situations because we may have had similar experiences before.

A bad thing about stereotype is that it makes us to ignore differences between people, therefore, we think different things about them that might not be true. Many studies, come to an assumption that genetics or cultural differences cause some students to do poorly on academic tests and academic performances. But now it is clear that negative stereotypes raise more doubts and high pressure anxieties in test taker's mind, which results in "stereotype threat.

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" According to psychologists Claude Steele, Steven Spencer, and Joshua Aronson, even passing reminders about a person belonging to one group or another, such as group stereotyping, can cause trouble with test performance.

They have examined group stereotypes that can threaten how students evaluate themselves, which then changes their academic identity and performance. Claude Steele and Joshua Aronson gave black and white college students tests that included difficult items from verbal Graduate Record Exam. Then they told students in this stereotype condition, that the test diagnosed intellectual ability, which basically saying that Blacks are less intelligent than Whites.

In the non stereotype condition, the researchers told students that the test was problem solving and had nothing to do with their abilities.

In the first stereotype research, Blacks performed poorly on the test than the Whites. In the non stereotype research, Blacks performance was the same as Whites. Through this innovative research, psychologists and educators, are coming to an understanding the real problem with equal educational achievement. Although, the test scores that were performed on Blacks and Whites, can not be attributed to stereotype threat. Instead, the stereotype threat that appears to be more influential, is to be heeded by teachers, students, researchers, and parents.

The findings also point the blame on unsupported genetic and cultural factors. Psychologist Joshua Aronson believes that the study of stereotype offers exciting and encouraging answers by looking at the stigma of psychology, and how human beings respond to negative stereotypes about their racial group. In my opinion, I believe it is very important not to judge other people. No one is perfect in this world, and if judging a person then there will always be someone who will judge you as well. It is important that teachers understand what stereotype really is and how it can affect someone's life.

I have seen where teachers talk in a negative way to students, just because they come from another county, and think a bit differently than other kids. It is important for schools to have a class, where students will learn about the negative and positive aspects of different cultures, so that students get a clearer view of what people within certain cultures are like and believe. Giving students examples and reasons why the stereotypes are incorrect, and maybe, doing role plays where kids would get a feeling of what it's like to be judged and made fun of.

There should also be something for teachers as well, because they need to know how to react and what to say if they see someone being stereotyped. It is also important for parents to teach their kids not to judge others and respect someone's individual's life. Use all kinds of sources to teach your kids about different groups of people and their culture so they would not base their assumptions just from one source. And explain to them, why people from different cultures act they way they do and teach them the harms of stereotypes and prejudice. All people deserve a chance. Stereotyping is wrong and cruel and definitely has an impact on society. POWERED BY TCPDF (WWW. TCPDF. ORG).