James is a 68-year-old retired history professor, who has been asked to take over a college class for a week. Although he has practiced with the equipment used in the classroom, he is concerned that any slip in using this computer equipment will confirm the stereotype about older people "not being able to learn new skills, particularly those related to computers." Because he is anxious and preoccupied about possible problems with the classroom equipment, James actually does experience problems with the computer projection system during his first lecture. Psychologist Claude Steele referred to this as
A)scapegoating.
B)stereotype threat.
C)dogmatism.
D)cognitive dissonance.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Psychologist Claude Steele described the phenomenon where individuals may underperform in certain areas due to the fear of confirming negative stereotypes about their group as "stereotype threat." In this scenario, James's concern about confirming stereotypes regarding older people's abilities with technology likely contributed to his difficulties, exemplifying stereotype threat.

James Is a 68-Year-Old Retired History Professor, Who Has Been