Stereotypes: The Psychology Of Prejudice
1) a. How did stereotypes form?
Stereotypes developed from humans’ cognitive ability to be able to categorize things by their similar characteristics and features. (The Psychology of Prejudice, p. 26)
b. Why did they form them?
Stereotypes were formed to more easily be able to evaluate someone based on the generalizations of their appearance, since there are plenty of other demanding cognitive tasks the brain has to deal with, it usually places similar people/groups into categories in which we use when we evaluate people. Essentially, stereotypes help us quickly be able to evaluate someone based on the similarity of their features to others who pertain to a particular stereotype. (The Psychology of Prejudice, p. 27 & 37)
2) a. Why are stereotypes …show more content…
Most people rather use a cognitive shortcut in order to evaluate them based on their stereotype. (The Psychology of Prejudice, p. 46)
3) Give a brief explanation of each of the 5 theories for the origins of prejudice.
a. The Optimal Distinctiveness Theory portrays the belief that our social motives are controlled by our conflicting desire to be unique but to also belong in a group. Based on the theory, it says humans seek to find acceptance in groups that they find themselves to have a balance of uniqueness while also being a part of a group. (The Psychology of Prejudice, p. 48)
b. The Social Identity Theory elaborates on the need for positive self esteem helps people to more likely perceive others with the same status to be able to affiliate themselves with them. Essentially, people gain a positive self-image on their own or by being a part of a prestigious group. (The Psychology of Prejudice, p. …show more content…
The scapegoat theory is seen extremely often here in the United States, such as when people say immigrants are the reason why there are no jobs, and when Muslims are associated with nearly every act of terror that is reported in the media. Also, I never realized how much of a big impact the media tends to have on the public, in regards to stereotypes. What the book says about “if it’s in the media it must be true” is alarmingly accurate, since I have witnessed myself individuals I know believing false perceptions about certain concepts solely because a prestigious media outlet reported
Stereotypes developed from humans’ cognitive ability to be able to categorize things by their similar characteristics and features. (The Psychology of Prejudice, p. 26)
b. Why did they form them?
Stereotypes were formed to more easily be able to evaluate someone based on the generalizations of their appearance, since there are plenty of other demanding cognitive tasks the brain has to deal with, it usually places similar people/groups into categories in which we use when we evaluate people. Essentially, stereotypes help us quickly be able to evaluate someone based on the similarity of their features to others who pertain to a particular stereotype. (The Psychology of Prejudice, p. 27 & 37)
2) a. Why are stereotypes …show more content…
Most people rather use a cognitive shortcut in order to evaluate them based on their stereotype. (The Psychology of Prejudice, p. 46)
3) Give a brief explanation of each of the 5 theories for the origins of prejudice.
a. The Optimal Distinctiveness Theory portrays the belief that our social motives are controlled by our conflicting desire to be unique but to also belong in a group. Based on the theory, it says humans seek to find acceptance in groups that they find themselves to have a balance of uniqueness while also being a part of a group. (The Psychology of Prejudice, p. 48)
b. The Social Identity Theory elaborates on the need for positive self esteem helps people to more likely perceive others with the same status to be able to affiliate themselves with them. Essentially, people gain a positive self-image on their own or by being a part of a prestigious group. (The Psychology of Prejudice, p. …show more content…
The scapegoat theory is seen extremely often here in the United States, such as when people say immigrants are the reason why there are no jobs, and when Muslims are associated with nearly every act of terror that is reported in the media. Also, I never realized how much of a big impact the media tends to have on the public, in regards to stereotypes. What the book says about “if it’s in the media it must be true” is alarmingly accurate, since I have witnessed myself individuals I know believing false perceptions about certain concepts solely because a prestigious media outlet reported