An introduction to social psychological research on stereotype threat: When and how STEM outcomes among minority students are diminished by stereotypes about their group

A large and growing research literature in the social sciences has documented the impact of stereotyping and bias on women and underrepresented racial/ethnic minorities (URMs) in STEM. Research on stereotype threat has shown that members of groups stereotyped as poor performers in math-intensive domains, including White women and URMs, actually have more negative STEM outcomes (e.g., performance and motivation) when they become aware of that others hold these negative stereotypes about their group, and they may be judged according to these stereotypes. When the relevance of the stereotype can be reduced in the testing situation, these negative outcomes are reduced, producing a more equitable and inclusive STEM environment for all. In this talk, I will provide an overview of social psychological research findings on stereotype threat, showing when and for whom this threat diminishes STEM outcomes, and how we might reduce these negative effects through effective interventions.