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Judging brands

Consumers make assumptions about brands based on marketplace stereotypes, with a singular negative experience not weighing negatively on overall perception. The study suggests firms increase diversity in their workforces to capitalize on consumer evaluations

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 18, 2005

'Before and after' diet ads promote bias against overweight people

Researchers found that subjects viewing 'before and after' ads indicated a strong anti-fat bias and believed weight is more easily controllable than those who viewed only the 'before' or 'after' pictures. The study suggests that such biases can influence further weight and eating disorder psychopathology.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalEating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia Bulimia and Obesity·DateMar 11, 2004

Epilepsy at the movies

A study analyzing 62 movies across four continents found that epilepsy is often stereotyped, with males shown as violent and females as exotic and vulnerable. The dramatic potential of seizures may contribute to these portrayals.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateNov 14, 2003

Blacks more likely to be shot than whites even when holding harmless objects

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that black college students were more likely to be 'shot' by police officers in a virtual reality simulation, even when holding harmless objects. The researchers used the Implicit Association Test to measure unconscious racial biases and stress levels.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJul 8, 2003

Professors study how we remember TV news

Researchers have identified a phenomenon where TV viewers misremember facts from news stories, often due to stereotypical thinking. To combat this, they suggest using semantic elaboration to promote critical thinking. By displaying the wrong-doer's face before or alongside the news anchor, false memories can be corrected.

SourceKansas State University·JournalJournal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media·DateApr 22, 2003

Stereotypes can affect memory when identifying criminal suspects

A recent study published in Media Psychology found that stereotypes can impact memory when identifying criminal suspects, with participants more likely to misidentify African-American suspects than White suspects. The study suggests that deeply imbedded biases can tamper with memories, leading to tragic consequences.

SourcePenn State·JournalMedia Psychology·DateDec 19, 2002

New research shows that a person's home and office environment can reveal certain personality traits

A new study by Samuel Gosling and colleagues found that people can accurately assess certain personality traits based on office and bedroom environments, particularly openness and conscientiousness. The researchers used personal items, decorating style, neatness, and organization as cues to evaluate personalities.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMar 3, 2002

People link career success with names, study finds

A new study found that people tend to predict career success based on the gender match between an applicant's name and occupation. The research suggests that women with feminine names are more likely to succeed in traditional female occupations, while men with masculine names excel in male-dominated careers.

SourceOhio University·JournalThe Journal of Social Psychology·DateJun 5, 2000