Researchers presented participants with just one or two examples of information that strongly challenged their pre-existing stereotypes. These researchers found that, when presented with just one or two examples that challenge a strongly held stereotype, people __________.
A) created new subtypes
B) dismissed the new information and strengthened their stereotypic beliefs
C) abandoned their stereotypes
D) revised their stereotypes, as the bookkeeping model would predict

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Research has shown that when people are presented with challenging information that contradicts their pre-existing beliefs, they are more likely to dismiss it and hold even stronger to their original beliefs. This phenomenon is known as belief perseverance. Therefore, it is unlikely that they would create new subtypes or abandon their stereotypes after just one or two examples. The bookkeeping model suggests that people revise their stereotypes over time as they accumulate more information, not just with one or two examples.

Researchers Presented Participants with Just One or Two Examples of Information