AAMC FL Practice Exam

What does 'stereotype threat' refer to?

1. A belief that one can overcome stereotypes

2. A self-confirming fear regarding negative stereotypes

3. Disregarding stereotypes entirely

4. A strategy to combat stereotypes

The correct answer is: A self-confirming fear regarding negative stereotypes

Stereotype threat refers to the anxiety and concern individuals experience when they feel at risk of confirming negative stereotypes about their social group. This phenomenon can lead to decreased performance in situations where they perceive that they may be judged or evaluated based on these stereotypes. For example, a student from a marginalized group may perform worse on a test if they are aware of the stereotype that their group typically underperforms academically. This self-confirming fear can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, where the anxiety around the stereotype can negatively impact performance, thereby inadvertently reinforcing the stereotype. The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of stereotype threat. For instance, believing one can overcome stereotypes does not address the fear of confirming them, while disregarding stereotypes entirely overlooks the psychological effects they can have. Similarly, strategies to combat stereotypes focus on prevention and awareness rather than the immediate emotional response elicited by stereotype threat. Thus, understanding stereotype threat is critical for recognizing how societal perceptions can influence individual performance and behavior.