Stereotype threat”: a self-fulfilling prophecy in education

Abstract

The article discusses the phenomenon of “stereotype threat”– the influence of stereotypes on learning and achievement level in members of gender, age and ethnic groups. We analyze overt and covert forms of actualization of such ideas. We describe the basic mechanisms of their action (actualization of social identity, negative emotions, extraneous thoughts, increased self-control, difficulty in learning, reduction of self-efficacy, increased motivation of avoidance, de-identification with the area of activity). We highlight the main ways to reduce the “stereotype threat” focused on social identity (actualization or creating a new identity), stereotypes (from the removal of stereotype stimuli to demonstration of positive behaviors), task (modified instruction) and individual human characteristics (higher self-efficacy, learning coping strategies). We note that the knowledge of the “stereotype threat”impact laws can improve learning efficiency.

Keywords

• education
• stereotypes
• ingroup identification
• emotion
• working memory
• motivation of achievement
• self-efficacy
• role models