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Real men don't say 'cute'

Using natural language processing, researchers found that people often incorrectly categorize individuals based on gender, age, education level, or political orientation. The study also reveals how multiple stereotypes can affect each other, leading to false conclusions about individuals.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateNov 15, 2016

Why do some STEM fields have fewer women than others? UW study may have the answer

A new UW study examines gender disparities across STEM fields and finds that a masculine culture discourages women from participating. The researchers identify three main factors: a masculine culture that makes women feel like they don't belong, a lack of pre-college experience in certain fields, and stereotypes about women's abilities.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateOct 12, 2016

Negative stereotypes affect female soccer performance

A new study found that subjecting female soccer players to negative stereotypes about their abilities reduced their dribbling speed significantly. The researchers discovered no significant relationship between reading negative stereotypes and flow or worry, but found that girls who felt more worried spent less time on the task.

SourceElsevier·JournalPsychology of Sport and Exercise·DateJul 14, 2016

Are Italians or Swedes more likely to cheat on their taxes?

A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that Italians are more likely to 'fudge' slightly, whereas Swedes are more willing to pay taxes if they believe they get more value for their money. Despite national stereotypes, the results suggest that both countries contribute equally to the public good.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 11, 2016

Exposure to American Indian mascots activates stereotypes

A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology found that exposure to American Indian sports mascots can strengthen negative stereotypes, especially among liberal individuals. The researchers also discovered that a person's political identity can predict how susceptible they are to adopting stereotypes associated with bran...

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateApr 13, 2016

How have gender stereotypes changed in the last 30 years?

A new study found that gender stereotypes are as strong today as they were 30 years ago, with people believing men avoid traditional female roles. Despite greater diversity, participants continued to strongly stereotype men and women on personality traits, gender role behaviors, occupations, and physical characteristics.

SourceSAGE·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateMar 9, 2016

Girls should expect poorer physics grades

A study by ETH Zurich researchers found that teachers with less experience discriminate against female students in physics exams, leading to poorer grades. The findings highlight the importance of teacher training and objective grading criteria to combat biases and stereotypes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalInternational Journal of Science Education·DateJan 11, 2016

Researchers find that in race stereotypes, issues are not so black and white

A study by Arizona State University researchers found that white Americans' stereotypes of black Americans mirror those of individuals from resource-poor and unpredictable environments. In contrast, stereotypes of whites match those of individuals from more resource-sufficient and predictable environments. The findings suggest that eco...

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 28, 2015

Anti-smoking messages can backfire, research suggests

Research highlights the potential backfire of stigmatizing smoking in public health campaigns, which can lead to increased stress and resistance to quitting. Vulnerable groups may benefit from anti-smoking programs focusing on giving up benefits rather than negative stereotypes.

SourcePenn State·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateNov 2, 2015

How stereotypes hurt

A new study led by USC researcher Cleopatra Abdou found that people who encountered negative stereotypes in healthcare settings reported adverse effects, including hypertension, depression, and poor self-rated health. The researchers highlight the need for inclusive policies to reduce healthcare stereotype threat and promote health dis...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 20, 2015

Gender-science stereotypes persist across the world

A Northwestern University study reveals that gender-science stereotypes are prevalent worldwide, with Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands showing strong associations between science and men. However, nations with more female scientists exhibit weaker stereotypes, suggesting exposure to women in college may change beliefs.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·DateMay 18, 2015

How climate science denial affects the scientific community

A new study from the University of Bristol argues that climate science denial is seeping into the scientific community's discussion of climate change, causing them to overemphasize scientific uncertainty. This 'seepage' of contrarian claims has led scientists to downplay the degree of threat and undercommunicate knowledge, despite know...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateMay 7, 2015

Real stereotypes continue to exist in virtual worlds

Researchers found that women in online games received less help from fellow players when operating unattractive avatars or male avatars. The study supports the idea that gender and appearance stereotypes follow us into virtual environments.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media·DateMay 4, 2015

Accountancy ambitions

Research suggests that accounting profession's negative stereotypes provide professional stability and exclusivity. The study uses 'commedia dell'arte' to analyze the role of stock characters in shaping career choices and perceptions of accountants. The authors argue that maintaining these stereotypes is beneficial for the profession.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Critical Accounting·DateApr 1, 2015

Stereotypes lower math performance in women, but effects go unrecognized, IU study finds

A recent IU study found that gender stereotypes about women's ability in mathematics negatively impact their performance. However, surprisingly, both men and women incorrectly believe these stereotypes will motivate women to perform better. The research highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing these misperceptions to red...

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateMar 26, 2015

Women in business

A UC Santa Barbara study finds that people systematically discount the competence of female entrepreneurs and investment-worthiness of their enterprises, but innovation mitigates this bias. Women-led businesses pitched innovative ideas are rated more competent and worthy of investment than non-innovative counterparts.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalSocial Forces·DateMar 3, 2015

Men want commitment when women are scarce

A study among the Makushi people in Guyana reveals that men are more likely to pursue long-term relationships when women are in short supply. The researchers found that when women are abundant, men tend to seek multiple short-term partners, but when they are scarce, men value and attempt to maintain a single partner.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 13, 2015

Macho stereotypes put off men as well as women

A new study found that macho stereotypes discourage both men and women from pursuing traditionally masculine occupations. The research suggests that increasing the appeal of these jobs to a more diverse range of men could help attract more women, leading to greater equality in the future.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBritish Journal of Psychology·DateDec 2, 2014

New research proves gender bias extraordinarily prevalent in STEM careers

A new study from Columbia Business School reveals that hiring managers in STEM fields possess an extraordinary level of gender bias, often choosing less-qualified men over superiorly qualified women. The study demonstrates the cost of discrimination, leading to a less diverse workforce and detrimental effects on companies.

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2014

Climate change at the movies

Researchers found that climate change films often perpetuate limiting identity politics, reinforcing racial, gender, and sexual stereotypes. The study suggests that dominant representations in these films fail to align with key sustainable development goals of equity, freedom, and shared responsibility.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Sustainable Development·DateJun 3, 2014

Negative stereotypes can cancel each other out on resumes

Research by Princeton University graduate student David Pedulla found that negative stereotypes of gay men and black men can counteract each other for gay black men in employment, leading to higher starting salaries. This challenges the idea that membership in multiple marginalized groups leads to more discrimination.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalSocial Psychology Quarterly·DateMay 15, 2014

Playing as black: Avatar race affects white video game players

A new study suggests that playing as a black character in violent video games can lead to stronger explicit negative attitudes toward blacks and display stronger implicit attitudes linking blacks to weapons. White players who played as black avatars showed more aggressive behavior against partners, with 115% more hot sauce forced on them.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMar 21, 2014