Question 1

The outgroup homogeneity effect is the tendency to:

Accepted Answer

The outgroup homogeneity effect refers to the perception that individuals in outgroups are more similar to each other than they really are. This can lead to stereotypes and prejudices against those in outgroups, as they are viewed as less diverse and individualized.

Question 2

System justification theory proposes that stereotypes help:

Accepted Answer

System justification theory proposes that people have a motivation to justify and maintain the existing social, economic, and political systems. Stereotypes can contribute to this justification by reinforcing societal norms, values, and expectations. Stereotypes also provide a justification for existing inequalities and prejudices, which can help maintain the current power structure and status quo. Therefore, the correct answer is A) justify the status quo.

Question 3

According to intergroup anxiety theory, intergroup prejudice leads people to experience anxiety when they think of or interact with:

Accepted Answer

Intergroup anxiety theory suggests that people experience anxiety when they interact with members of an outgroup, as they may perceive these individuals as different from themselves or hold negative stereotypes about them.

Question 4

When people believe that members of another group are less emotionally complex, these people are engaging in ________.

Accepted Answer

Infrahumanization refers to perceiving members of another group as less evolved or less capable of complex emotions and behavior compared to one's own group. This can lead to the devaluation of the other group and justification of mistreatment or lack of empathy towards them. Dehumanization is a similar concept but refers to perceiving the other group as less than fully human. System justification involves individuals rationalizing and defending the status quo or the dominant social system. Objectification refers to treating someone as a mere object, rather than recognizing them as a full human being with thoughts, feelings, and autonomy. While all of these concepts may be interconnected or overlap to some extent, the best answer specifically refers to the perception of another group as less emotionally complex.

Question 5

_______________________ proposes that some stereotypes may be based on actual differences in the average traits or behaviors associated with two or more groups.

Accepted Answer

The kernel of truth hypothesis proposes that some stereotypes may be based on actual differences in average traits or behaviors associated with two or more groups. This suggests that stereotypes may have some basis in reality, but are often overgeneralized and over-applied to individuals within those groups.

Question 6

Terror management theory proposes that prejudice against different groups results from:

Accepted Answer

Terror management theory proposes that humans are aware of their mortality and this knowledge creates terror within them. Prejudice against different groups is a way to cope with this terror by increasing feelings of superiority and self-esteem.

Question 7

Vince grows tired of hearing women talk about how they are paid less than men. He thinks women get paid less because they are less competent. This is an example of ________.

Accepted Answer

Vince's belief that women are paid less because they are less competent is an example of hostile sexism, which involves negative attitudes and stereotypes towards women perceived as a threat to men's power and dominance.

Question 8

Mike does not want his wife to watch a particularly violent movie because he believes women are too pure for that kind of material. This is an example of ________.

Accepted Answer

Mike's beliefs reflect benevolent sexism, which is a form of sexism that appears to be positive or chivalrous towards women, but actually reinforces gender stereotypes and limitations. Believing that women are too "pure" for violent material is a form of benevolent sexism that suggests women are delicate and need to be protected.

Question 9

The belief that African Americans are naturally athletic is ________.

Accepted Answer

Stereotypes are generalizations made about a group of people, often based on limited or inaccurate information. The belief that African Americans are naturally athletic is a common stereotype, which can be harmful as it reduces individuals to one-dimensional caricatures and ignores the diversity and individuality within the group.

Question 10

Prejudice is defined as:

Accepted Answer

Prejudice is specifically defined as a negative attitude toward an individual based on their presumed membership in a particular group, not limited to race or emotions.

Question 11

Groups often have negative feelings about one another because they are fighting over resources such as water and resource-rich land. Which of the following theories best explains this type of intergroup conflict?

Accepted Answer

Realistic group conflict theory suggests that intergroup conflict arises when two or more groups are competing over limited resources, such as water and resource-rich land. This competition can increase negative feelings and stereotypes towards the outgroup.

Question 12

Sexual objectification is the tendency to:

Accepted Answer

Sexual objectification is the act of thinking about someone, especially a woman, as an object of sexual desire rather than as a full and complex human being. It is a form of dehumanization that reduces women to mere physical objects rather than recognizing their full humanity with thoughts, feelings, and desires of their own.

Question 13

Drug addicts as a group tend to be perceived as:

Accepted Answer

Drug addicts as a group tend to be stigmatized and seen as less competent and less warm. This negative perception can lead to further marginalization and barriers to seeking treatment.

Question 14

When people behave in a negative way because of prejudice or stereotypes they have engaged in ________.

Accepted Answer

Discrimination refers to negative behavior or unfair treatment towards a certain group of people based on their identity, such as race, gender, or sexuality. Prejudice refers to negative attitudes or beliefs towards a certain group of people, while stereotype activation involves unconsciously activating stereotypes based on a person's identity. Sexual objectification refers to reducing a person to their sexual attributes or using them solely for sexual purposes, which is a form of discrimination based on gender. Therefore, the most appropriate answer is discrimination as it describes negative behavior towards a certain group of people based on stereotypes or prejudice.

Question 15

Scapegoating is when:

Accepted Answer

Scapegoating involves blaming an outgroup for one's own problems, often due to negative emotions such as inferiority or guilt. The other options do not accurately describe scapegoating.

Question 16

Implicit prejudice results when:

Accepted Answer

Implicit prejudice refers to negative attitudes or stereotypes that are unconsciously and automatically activated in response to certain groups. This form of prejudice can occur even when an individual consciously holds positive attitudes towards that group, highlighting the importance of examining both implicit and explicit attitudes when studying prejudice. Option A refers to explicit prejudice, where negative attitudes are consciously held; option C refers to the activation of conscious attitudes, but not necessarily prejudice; and option D refers to discrimination, which may or may not be driven by prejudice.

Question 17

According to realistic group conflict theory, negative feelings between groups are often based on:

Accepted Answer

Realistic group conflict theory argues that negative intergroup attitudes and behaviors result from competition over scarce resources. Members of a group may blame the outgroup for their own group's difficulties in obtaining resources, leading to negative stereotypes and prejudice towards the outgroup. Choices A and D are not central tenets of realistic group conflict theory, and while stereotypes may be accessible, they are not the root cause of intergroup conflict according to this theory.

Question 18

According to social identity theory, ______________ plays a causal role in ingroup bias.

Accepted Answer

Social identity theory suggests that people derive part of their self-concept and self-esteem from the groups to which they belong. This leads to a preference for one's ingroup and a bias against outgroups. Thus, self-esteem plays a causal role in ingroup bias.

Question 19

Media advertisements that showcase African Americans using characteristics associated with animals are examples of ________.

Accepted Answer

Depicting African Americans as animals is a form of dehumanization, which reduces them to subhuman status and reinforces negative stereotypes. This type of advertising is harmful and perpetuates systemic racism.

Question 20

Having negative attitudes about racial category considerations for college admissions may reflect:

Accepted Answer

Symbolic racism refers to a belief system that includes both racial stereotypes and resentment towards government policies perceived as benefiting ethnic minorities. Having negative attitudes about racial category considerations for college admissions may reflect a symbolic racism belief system.

Quiz 10: Understanding Prejudice, Stereotyping, and Discrimination