University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

A stereotype is an overgeneralized belief or assumption about individuals based solely on their membership in a group, without regard for their individual characteristics. These beliefs are then applied broadly to all members of that group, ignoring individual differences.

Stereotype in Social Psychology

Discrimination is defined as an action or behavior towards an individual that results from their membership in a particular group. While typically discussed as a negative and oppressive act, such as exclusion, discrimination can also manifest positively through preferential treatment for individuals who are part of one's own group.

Discrimination in Social Psychology

What is a stereotype in social psychology?

Which of the following best describes a stereotype in social psychology?

Which statement is true about stereotypes in social psychology?

Which of the following is an example of a stereotype in social psychology?

Prejudice often originates from stereotypes. A stereotype, which is a specific and frequently overgeneralized belief about a group, can serve as the cognitive basis for developing prejudice—a negative attitude or feeling toward individuals belonging to that group.

Stereotypes as a Foundation for Prejudice

An example of a stereotype is the overgeneralized belief that all older adults are slow and incompetent. This assumption is applied to the entire group, ignoring the fact that many individuals of advanced age are quick-witted and capable.

Example of a Stereotype: Beliefs about Older Adults

A prominent stereotype involves beliefs about racial differences in athletic ability, such as the notion that Black athletes are more athletic while being less intelligent than their White counterparts. This type of belief can negatively influence how athletes are treated and how they perceive their own capabilities, and it often persists even when contradicted by high-profile examples.

Example of a Stereotype: Racial Beliefs about Athletes

Within a given culture, stereotypes are typically widely known and understood. This means that even if an individual does not personally endorse a particular stereotype, they are generally aware of its existence and content as part of their cultural knowledge.

Cultural Awareness of Stereotypes

When encountering a stranger, individuals automatically process three key social categories: race, gender, and age. This cognitive shortcut occurs before assessing secondary characteristics like clothing or facial expressions. These primary categories provide a quick, though often stereotypical, basis for forming initial impressions and expectations about the person.

Automatic Processing of Social Categories in Person Perception

Research has identified common cultural stereotypes associated with various racial groups in the United States. For example, Asian Americans are often stereotyped as cold, sly, and intelligent; Latinos as cold and unintelligent; European Americans as cold and intelligent; and African Americans as aggressive, athletic, and more likely to be lawbreakers.

Cultural Stereotypes of Major Racial Groups in the U.S.

An expectation that facilitates the fulfillment of the expectation through behavior. 

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

Stereotypes can trigger a self-fulfilling prophecy through a distinct causal process. When an individual holds a stereotypic belief about another person, it creates an expectation. This expectation influences the individual's behavior toward the other person, which in turn elicits a response from that person that confirms the original stereotype. This cycle not only reinforces the biased belief but can also lead to acts of prejudice and discrimination.

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