| Abstract: | Investigated whether the degree of consensus in trait attribution to ethnic groups has any particular meaning to the individual. Canadian 9th and 12th graders (n = 36) were presented with traits previously found in the stereotypes about different groups, and asked to identify the ethnic group so characterized. 3 independent variables were manipulated: consensus of the attributes, age of the Ss, and the number of attributes presented. Dependent variables included the accuracy and the perceived difficulty of identification. Results indicate that the degree of consensus in the stereotype had considerable information value to the Ss. This suggests that stereotypes generally develop from information available to a community, and that the consensus noted in stereotype assessment procedures reflects the consistency of this information. (French summary) (16 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
