Intelligence and Stereotype Threat
This article talks about the situation described as the “stereotype threat.” Steele and Aronson 919950 describe it a situation where some members of particular groups are considered to be academically inferior as compared to others. In this case, Steele and Aronson sought to establish whether it was true that the African-Americans and the Latino students were academically inferior. They also sought to establish whether the belief that female students are actually poor in moths and sciences courses or whether these are just acts of stereotype threats.
The study carried out by Steele and Aronso (1995) was purely experimental. This can be seen from the manner in which it was designed. They clearly indicate that “the experiment took the form of a 2 x 3 factorial” (Steele and Aronso, 1995). This tells it all, the study was purely experimental. They further indicate that the participants were contacted for the experiment. This is a clear indication that it was an experiment.
In this study, the dependent measure was the participants’ performance on the 30 verbal items that were included in the questionnaire, as well as the 18-item self report. This would count to indicate whether the stereotype was true or false. The independent variables were the challenging verbal tests as well as the unfamiliar verbal problems that could help in gauging an individual’s verbal learning.
The researchers discovered that there were other factors that could affect the dependent variables. For instance, the anticipation for taking a hard test could elevate the level of consciousness in the individuals. The knowledge that they are in an experimental setting could also alter the results. Nevertheless, the study results found out that the stereotype threat were not exactly correct.
Reference
Steele, C.M. & Aronson, J. 91995). Stereotypes Threat and the Intellectual Test Performance of African Americans. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol. 69(5), pp. 797-811.
