An individual and quantitative measure of stereotypes.

Abstract

A quantitative and individual measure of stereotyping is proposed, based on denning stereotypes as probabilistic predictions that distinguish the stereotyped group from others. Data indicate that the proposed measure, though related to the familiar Katz and Braly checklist, is a substantially new measure of stereotyping rather than simply a quantitative version of the checklist. It is argued that the theoretical and empirical value of the proposed measure is justification for abandoning the Katz and Braly measure. Theoretically, the new measure relates stereotype research to attribution theory as part of a Bayesian approach to the psychology of prediction. Empirically, the new measure opens interesting questions about stereotypes, especially about stereotype validity and the "kernel of truth" hypothesis. A study using the new measure reveals that diverse groups of subjects have some similar stereotypes of black Americans, that these stereotypes are relatively accurate, and that contrary to the "kernel of truth" hypothesis, these stereotypes are seldom exaggerated.Empirical study of stereotypes began with Katz and Braly (1933) and goes on today with the same measure they first used with Princeton students. Subjects are given a list of traits and asked to check the five traits "most typical" of a particular group. A stereotype is said to exist to the extent subjects agree on the choice of traits. This stereotype is properly a social stereotype because it is a group measure, defined by agreement across subjects.The authors wish to acknowledge the participation of Gerry Ritrovato and Terryll Schasse in carrying out the study of stereotypes of black Americans (Study 3 in this article).

Less is more? Think again! A cognitive fluency-based more–less asymmetry in comparative communication.

“…Stereotypes have often been defined as describing group differences (e.g. Biernat & Crandall, 1996;Martin, 1987;McCauley & Stitt, 1978) and hence might refer to one group possessing a given characteristic more or to another group possessing the same characteristic less. Stereotype-consistent or -inconsistent information can also take the form of 'more than' or 'less than' statements.…”

National Character Does Not Reflect Mean Personality Trait Levels in 49 Cultures

“…There have been surprisingly few attempts to examine the accuracy of national stereotypes (3,(5)(6)(7), perhaps because researchers lacked appropriate criteria. However, recent advances in personality psychology and cross-cultural research make it possible to compare perceived national character to aggregate personality data (that is, the means of a sample of assessments of individuals) across a wide range of cultures.…”

Is the mind Bayesian? The case for agnosticism

“…The article of reference, which opened the Bayesian model field of research towards the study of probabilistic judgment, was co-signed by probability theorists and a psychologist (Edwards et al 1963). Finally, some psychologists advocate the use of the Bayesian model as a norm of reference because of its intrinsic "descriptive qualities" applicable to human judgment (Ajzen and Fishbein 1975, McCauley and Stitt 1978, Peterson and Beach 1967. …”