The Validating Role of Stereotypes
Social scientists have long been interested in the origin, content, and effects of group stereotypes. A vast literature has identified several different ways that stereotypes can influence social judgment and behavior. This talk will focus on a growing body of research into how stereotypes can play a distinct, metacognitive role in influencing perceptions. In particular, evidence from several studies supports that stereotypes can validate or increase how certain we are of our perceptions of others and ourselves. Furthermore, these findings suggest that this metacognitive validation phenomenon may carry important, downstream implications for people’s attitudes, beliefs, interests, and future behaviors.