Effects of Stereotype Activation on Self-Concepts: Differences Between Native American & Caucasian College Students

<p>Prior research has shown that when individuals are exposed to stereotype activation (SA) mechanisms, such as priming, their subsequent behavior often conforms to stereotypical expectations. Previous studies have focused on measuring stereotype activation primarily with manipulations of task completion after subjects are exposed to a prime. This study intended to expand the current research by exploring the effect of SA on an individual’s self-concept. Research was conducted with Native American and Caucasian college students using an ethnicity salient questionnaire as a means of SA. Participants then completed self-report measurements associated with Native American stereotypes. It was hypothesized that priming Native American ethnicity would sway the participants’ to report self-concepts that were parallel to Native American stereotypes. It was expected to stimulate change for Native American students, but would have no effect on Caucasian students. Results indicated, however, that the priming manipulation caused stereotype disconfirmation in Native American participants, with mixed effects for Caucasian participants.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Montana

Year

2011

Author dc:creator

• John, Laura R.

• American Indians
• ethnicity
• Native Americans
• priming
• stereotype activation
• stereotypes

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/364

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarworks.umt.edu:etd-1383