Cindi and Beth are participants in a research study that involves taking a difficult math test. Cindi is told that scores on the math test usually reflect gender differences, while Beth is told that scores on the math test usually do not reflect gender differences. Cindi and Beth's math scores will be compared to the scores of male students taking the same test. Based on Claude Steele's research, what would you predict about Cindi and Beth's scores on the math test?
A) Because of stereotype threat, Cindi will score lower than the male students, but Beth's score will score about the same as the male students.
B) Because of stereotype lift, Beth will score lower than the male students, but Cindi will score about the same as the male students.
C) Because of stereotype lift, Beth's and Cindi's scores will be about the same as the male students'.
D) Because of stereotype threat, Cindi will score higher than the male students, but Beth will score lower than the male students.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Claude Steele's research on stereotype threat, Cindi is likely to experience stereotype threat and underperform on the math test compared to male students, while Beth, who was told that gender differences do not impact math scores, is less likely to be affected by stereotype threat and may perform similarly to male students. Therefore, Cindi's scores are predicted to be lower than the male students, while Beth's scores are predicted to be about the same as the male students.

Cindi and Beth Are Participants in a Research Study That