Proposed Study

We've heard and read about stereotype threat and the negative impact that stereotypes have in general. What we haven't discussed is whether or not there is anything we can do to limit the negative effects of stereotype threat or stereotypes in general in terms of the individual who may fall victim to such. Therefore, I propose a study to determine if we are capable of limiting the negative impact that stereotyping has been shown to have.

My theory is that, through knowledge, we can limit the negative impact that stereotyping/stereotype threat has on the individual being stereotyped against or who experiences stereotype threat. The whole idea is that if we are trained to recognize how we could be feeling, thinking, and responding to a situation in which we may feel victim of stereotyping/stereotype threat that we will be able to essentially decide how we will feel, think, and respond when we are actually in the situation.

Operational Definition: The number of negative thoughts and feelings reported by individuals will decrease and the average score of tests and personal performance rating will increase among commonly stereotyped individuals with increased knowledge about stereotypes and stereotype threat.

Sample: A survey will be conducted, most likely at a large university, asking questions about when, where, how frequently, under what circumstances, how they felt during situation, how they feel in reflection, whether or not they think it had an impact on their personal performance if the situation called for it, and why people believe they have been victim of stereotyping or stereotype threat. It would be a rather large survey that also incorporated other questions about issues pertaining to society so as to give the impression that the whole survey was about problems that afflict our society and the individuals that live in it in general. From this survey, 100 people will be asked to participate in the study.

Method: The study would consist of six months of rigorous learning. Learning will be focused on determining the many negative effects that a victim of stereotyping or stereotype threat may encounter. Full participation in the study will consist of research, group projects, skits, open discussion, lectures, and individual expression of feelings about stereotyping and stereotype threat. After the six month period, participants will be asked to participate in the same survey as was originally given but this time every three months for 2 years. The reason for the survey given every three months is to determine whether or not the information learned has a lasting impact, if at all, or if people are prone to falling back into old habits of reacting and thinking about stereotypes/stereotype threat. Participants will also be asked to submit test scores and GPA's over the same time period to determine if there was an increase, decrease, or no change.

Possible Results: We may find that increased knowledge of the negative effects of stereotypes/stereotype threat has no impact on the victim. We may find that it does change the way people respond, think, and feel when confronted with stereotyping/stereotype threat, but only temporarily. We may find that there is a permanent change. As a researcher, I would look for a decrease in negative emotions reported, a decrease in negative thoughts reported, a decrease in negative responses, and a reported increase in personal performance rating when the situation calls for it, i.e. testing, giving speeches, GPA, etc. Hopefully, if any of these things were reported, it would be a lasting effect.