Gavin is enrolled in a biology class taught by a female Black professor who just returned his graded term paper. According to research on how self-enhancement goals affect stereotype activation, which of the following reactions describes how he is likely to react to the feedback?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to research on self-enhancement goals and stereotype activation, individuals are more likely to activate stereotypes when they receive negative feedback from someone who is not from their in-group. In this case, Gavin is more likely to think of his professor as a Black person if he receives negative feedback, which would activate the stereotype that Black individuals are not as intelligent. However, if the feedback is positive, Gavin is more likely to self-enhance and think of his professor as a professor rather than focus on her race. Thus, choice A is the best answer.

Gavin Is Enrolled in a Biology Class Taught by a Female