Carmen is taking an advanced math test and she feels a burden of doubt because she knows the negative stereotypes about women's abilities in mathematics. This feeling has been labeled
A) test anxiety.
B) gender dissonance.
C) gender bias.
D) stereotype threat.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carmen's doubt is likely a result of stereotype threat, which is the fear of confirming negative stereotypes about one's social group. This phenomenon can lead individuals to perform worse on a task than they otherwise would due to the anxiety and pressure caused by the stereotype. Test anxiety (A) is a more general term that could apply to anyone feeling anxious about a test, while gender dissonance (B) is not a recognized term in this context. Gender bias (C) refers to systemic discrimination based on gender, but it is not the best fit for Carmen's immediate problem with the negative stereotypes about women in math.

Carmen Is Taking an Advanced Math Test and She Feels