Maria is the school chess champion and is invited to compete at a regional tournament. An opponent tells Maria that men are naturally better at chess than women. Upon hearing this, Maria becomes upset and worried about her performance and subsequently loses her first match. What has Maria just experienced?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Maria has experienced stereotype threat, which is the fear of confirming a negative stereotype about one's social group. The opponent's comment about men being better at chess is an example of a negative stereotype about women's abilities, which can lead to anxiety and lower performance in a situation where that ability is being tested.

Maria Is the School Chess Champion and Is Invited to Compete