Cindi and Beth are participants in a research study that involves taking a difficult math test. Cindi is told that scores on the math test usually reflect gender differences, while Beth is told that scores on the math test usually do not reflect gender differences. Cindi and Beth's math scores will be compared with the scores of male students taking the same test. Based on Claude Steele's research, what would you predict about Cindi and Beth's scores on the math test?
A)Because of stereotype threat, Cindi will score lower than the male students, but Beth's score will be about the same as the male students'.
B)Because of the stereotype lift, Beth will score lower than the male students, but Cindi will score about the same as the male students.
C)Because of the stereotype lift, Beth and Cindi's scores will be about the same as the male students'.
D)Because of stereotype threat, Cindi will score higher than the male students, but Beth's score will be lower than the male students'.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The concept of stereotype threat suggests that being made aware of a negative stereotype related to a particular group (in this case, women) can lead to decreased performance on tasks related to that stereotype. Therefore, Cindi, who was told that there are gender differences in math scores, may experience stereotype threat, leading to lower performance. Beth, who was told that gender does not affect math scores, is less likely to experience stereotype threat and perform similarly to the male students.

Cindi and Beth Are Participants in a Research Study That