Carlos, who is Hispanic, is asked to take an IQ test by a job placement company. As he sits down to take the test, Carlos begins to think about how minorities in the United States, including Hispanics, are often viewed as less intelligent than others. These thoughts cause Carlos to experience discomfort and anxiety during the test, which then have a negative impact on his test result. Carlos's dilemma is an example of what psychologists call _____.
A) the Flynn effect
B) covert discrimination
C) stereotype threat
D) confirmation bias

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carlos's experience is an example of stereotype threat, which is the phenomenon where individuals experience anxiety or discomfort in situations where they fear they may confirm a negative stereotype about their group. In this case, Carlos's fear of confirming the stereotype that Hispanics are less intelligent than others caused him to experience anxiety, which then had a negative impact on his test result. The Flynn effect refers to the increase in IQ scores over time, covert discrimination is discrimination that is hidden or not obvious, and confirmation bias is the tendency to seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs.

Carlos, Who Is Hispanic, Is Asked to Take an IQ