stereotype threat

Background
Stereotypes have long been recognized to have a negative impact on people who have been
historically marginalized in American society. But according to many psychologists, some not-
so-obvious results of stereotyping affect virtually everyone. In his book Whistling Vivaldi; How
Stereotypes Affect Us and What We Can Do (2010), Claude Steele describes the phenomenon of
stereotype threat, which he and other psychologists believe affects people as diverse as women
taking math tests and US soldiers in Italy. The book offers a detailed account of how Steele and
his colleagues conducted their research on this widespread phenomenon and proposes ways in
which we as a society can overcome stereotype threats to individuals.
Assignment
Write a 1500-word essay in which you discuss the concept of stereotype threat and analyze the
extent to which you think it could have an impact on your performance as a college student.
(Note: you may also analyze the extent to which stereotype threat could have an impact on someone you
know.)
In addition to providing information from Steele’s book, your essay should include references
to at least three sources from the ARC Library databases. At least one of these sources must be
a scholarly article, but you may also use any of the following: specialized reference works on
psychology, interviews with Steele, interviews with someone you know, credible magazine or
newspaper articles on stereotype threat, or articles that take issue with Steele’s conclusions.
Include specific, relevant personal experiences. Write for an audience of college professors and
administrators.
Tips for getting started
Ø Use the social identity wheel to determine one or two of your social identities.
Ø Use your reading of Steele’s book to gain a thorough understanding of stereotypethreat
and of how to form conclusions about human behavior.
Ø Use the ARC Library research databases to investigate additional research on stereotype
threat. Focus on research related to your own social identity or identities or those of
someone you know.
Ø Use facts to back up your inferences and opinions.
Ø Most importantly, ask questions and be a critical thinker: do you agree that stereotype
threat is a problem for most people, including yourself? Why or why not?
Format requirements
All drafts should be typed and formatted according to MLA guidelines: Times New Roman, 12
point font, 1” margins. Include a Works Cited page listing four or more sources.

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