Stereotype strength and attentional bias: Preference for confirming versus disconfirming information depends on processing capacity |
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Authors: | Thomas J Allen Jeffrey W Sherman Frederica R Conrey |
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Institution: | a Department of Psychology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA b ICF Macro, 126 college street, Burlington, VT 05401, USA c Department of Psychology, Barnard College, Columbia University, 3009 Broadway, New York, NY 10027, USA |
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Abstract: | In two experiments, we investigated the relationships among stereotype strength, processing capacity, and the allocation of attention to stereotype-consistent versus stereotype-inconsistent information describing a target person. The results of both experiments showed that, with full capacity, greater stereotype strength was associated with increased attention toward stereotype-consistent versus stereotype-inconsistent information. However, when capacity was diminished, greater stereotype strength was associated with increased attention toward inconsistent versus consistent information. Thus, strong stereotypes may act as self-confirming filters when processing capacity is plentiful, but as efficient information gathering devices that maximize the acquisition of novel (disconfirming) information when capacity is depleted. Implications for models of stereotyping and stereotype change are discussed. |
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Keywords: | Stereotyping Attention Cognitive load Implicit associations Stereotype strength |
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