Year of Award
2011
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
Master of Arts (MA)
Degree Name
Clinical Psychology
Department or School/College
Department of Psychology
Committee Chair
Lucian Conway
Commitee Members
Gyda Swaney, Gilbert Quintero
Keywords
American Indians, ethnicity, Native Americans, priming, stereotype activation, stereotypes
Publisher
University of Montana
Abstract
Prior research has shown that when individuals are exposed to stereotype activation (SA) mechanisms, such as priming, their subsequent behavior often conforms to stereotypical expectations. Previous studies have focused on measuring stereotype activation primarily with manipulations of task completion after subjects are exposed to a prime. This study intended to expand the current research by exploring the effect of SA on an individual’s self-concept. Research was conducted with Native American and Caucasian college students using an ethnicity salient questionnaire as a means of SA. Participants then completed self-report measurements associated with Native American stereotypes. It was hypothesized that priming Native American ethnicity would sway the participants’ to report self-concepts that were parallel to Native American stereotypes. It was expected to stimulate change for Native American students, but would have no effect on Caucasian students. Results indicated, however, that the priming manipulation caused stereotype disconfirmation in Native American participants, with mixed effects for Caucasian participants.
Recommended Citation
John, Laura R., "Effects of Stereotype Activation on Self-Concepts: Differences Between Native American & Caucasian College Students" (2011). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 364.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/364
© Copyright 2011 Laura R. John