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Do girls read better than boys? If so, gender stereotypes may be to blame

A longitudinal study in Germany found that classmates' gender stereotypes have a negative effect on boys' reading outcomes, including lower motivation and achievement. In contrast, girls experienced positive effects from their classmates' stereotypes. The study suggests that reducing stereotypical behaviors in classrooms can help creat...

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 26, 2020

Occupational gender bias prevalent in online images, Rutgers study finds

A Rutgers study found that online images of men and women in certain occupations tend to reinforce existing gender stereotypes. The research analyzed search results from four digital media platforms and compared them to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' data, revealing prevalent biases in librarianship, nursing, computer programming...

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of the Association for Information Science and Technology·DateFeb 3, 2020

Math test score gap between white and non-white students in Brazil due to complex factors

A Brazilian study analyzed math test scores for 9th-grade students, revealing that performance gaps between different racial groups can largely be attributed to socio-economic factors. However, for high-scoring students, structural factors like discrimination and stereotypes play a greater role in perpetuating the gap.

Women CEOs judged more harshly than men for corporate ethical failures

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that consumers are less likely to support organizations led by women after an ethical failure, but more willing to forgive them for competence failures. The research highlights the impact of gender stereotypes on consumer perceptions of female-led companies.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 24, 2019

Bias against single people affects their cancer treatment

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that unmarried patients with cancer are significantly less likely to receive potentially life-saving surgeries or radiotherapies compared to their married counterparts. The disparity persists despite extensive research findings suggesting otherwise.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 9, 2019

'Racist police officer' stereotype may become a self-fulfilling prophecy

A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that officers worried about appearing racist report lower confidence and increased support for coercive policing. The research suggests a vicious cycle where officers' concerns about stereotype threats lead to decreased moral authority and more aggressive policing tactics.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalLaw and Human Behavior·DateJul 15, 2019

Ageism reduced by education, intergenerational contact

A Cornell-led study found that education and intergenerational contact can significantly reduce ageist attitudes, prejudices, and stereotypes. The interventions, particularly those combining both elements, proved to be effective in reducing ageism, especially among women, teens, and young adults.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 21, 2019

The body weight bias in sales

A study found that sales employees recommend rounded watches and perfume bottles when they appear obese, and suggest more angular products when they are thin. The researchers also discovered that the level of friendliness drives the propensity to recommend round products.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateOct 25, 2018

Students in health enrichment programs benefit from early team-based exposure

Research by LSU Health New Orleans found that early team-based exposure to multiple health disciplines in pipeline programs reduces traditional role and leadership stereotypes. This leads to improved collaboration and better patient outcomes, as seen in the study's statistically significant positive changes in IPE perceptions.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalHealth and Interprofessional Practice·DateOct 25, 2018

Feminine leadership traits: Nice but expendable frills?

A new study exploring the tradeoff between masculine and feminine leadership traits reveals that women internalize a stereotypically masculine view of leadership. The research, published in Frontiers in Psychology, suggests that women may feel disadvantaged compared to male leaders if they adopt traditionally feminine styles.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 15, 2018

White Americans see many immigrants as 'illegal' until proven otherwise, survey finds

A survey found that many white Americans assume immigrants from certain countries are 'illegal' due to stereotypes and lack of documentation, leading to discriminatory treatment. The study highlights the impact of social perceptions on immigrant standing in American society, revealing a new source of ethnic-based inequalities.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateOct 11, 2018

A model to predict and quantify racism, sexism, and other unequal treatment

A new study from UC Berkeley Haas School of Business uses computational models to analyze how people treat others differently based on stereotypes. Researchers found that variations in perceived traits translate to differences in treatment, with warmer groups receiving more than competent ones.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2018

Trump supporters on campuses more likely to show prejudice toward international students

A University at Buffalo study suggests that support for President Donald Trump is a predictor of prejudice against international students, along with university identity and socialization. Factors such as standardized test scores and stereotypes also play a role in shaping attitudes towards international students.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Diversity in Higher Education·DateAug 29, 2018

Mexico well ahead of US in LGBT rights

A new study by University of Vermont professor Caroline Beer reveals that Mexico is more progressive than the US when it comes to LGBT rights. In contrast to the US, where religion suppresses LGBT rights, Mexico sees a positive correlation between liberal governance and increased LGBT-friendly legislation.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalState Politics & Policy Quarterly·DateMar 12, 2018

Racial stereotypes influence perception of NFL quarterbacks

Recent research by University of Colorado Boulder professor Patrick Ferrucci reveals that racial stereotypes continue to shape public perception of NFL quarterbacks, with black players often being described in terms of physical strength and natural ability. The studies found that social identity theory and implicit racial bias contribu...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalHoward Journal of Communications·DateAug 21, 2017

Stereotypes still affect females' career aspirations in STEM topics

A study found that even female students with good grades in STEM subjects are still corrupted by stereotypes, leading to lower self-confidence and perceptions of incompetence. Indirect support measures, such as positive experiences and role models, are more effective than direct encouragement in boosting their self-concept.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 22, 2017

Increased number of female engineers in managerial roles brings unintended consequences

Research by M. Teresa Cardador found that women in managerial roles in engineering firms experience mixed identification with the profession, feeling they don't belong in technical roles. This can lead to stereotypes about women's suitability for technical work and increased work-life balance tensions.

Asian-American students have strong academic support -- but is it too much?

A study by NYU's Steinhardt School found that second-generation Asian American adolescents benefit less from academic social support than others, with the influence of parents, friends, and teachers being inconsistent. Despite this, they still have strong expectations for college attendance due to high parental and teacher expectations.

SourceNew York University·JournalAsian American Journal of Psychology·DateMar 23, 2017

Friend or foe? Each creates national unity, a mix creates divisions, study shows

A new study published in PNAS reveals that peace brings people together in Scandinavian countries, while groups band together against other groups for a united cause in conflict-ridden war zones. In countries with a mix of indigenous and immigrant populations, intergroup relations are more challenging, leading to ambivalent stereotypes...

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2017