Stereotyping in Black and White: Differences in stereotype knowledge and stereotype use.

Abstract

This study examined the content of stereotypes about Blacks and Whites, and the use of those stereotypes when confronted with ambiguous behaviors by a member of the stereotyped group. In study 1, both Black and White participants were asked to indicate on a adjective checklist, the components of the socially held stereotypes of both Blacks and Whites. In study 2, participants were given a scenario in which a target person (who was either Black or White) engaged in ambiguous behaviors. They were asked to rate the target person on ten trait scales. The results of the two studies indicated that Blacks and Whites were able to report the characteristics of the stereotype of Blacks, however, only Blacks consistently reported the content of the stereotype of Whites. Also, Blacks used the stereotype information in their ratings of Whites, and Whites used the stereotype information in their ratings of Blacks. There was a race of target/race of participant interaction for several of the trait scales. Implication and directions for future research are discussed.