Prejudice, Stereotypes, and Bias (8B) Practice Test

Researchers conducted a social experiment to examine implicit bias in hiring. Adult participants (N=120) reviewed one résumé for an entry-level analyst position; résumés were identical except for the applicant name, which was randomly assigned to signal either Group X or Group Y membership. Participants then rated “overall competence” (1–7) and recommended either an interview or no interview. Participants also completed an Implicit Association Test (IAT) contrasting Group X vs Group Y with “competent” vs “incompetent.” Mean competence ratings were similar across conditions, but interview recommendations differed: 62% recommended interviews for the Group Y name versus 44% for the Group X name. IAT scores were positively correlated with the likelihood of recommending an interview for the Group Y name (r = 0.32). Which statement best reflects the findings of the study?

In a case study of stereotype threat, a university advising office evaluated students (N=48) from Group A, which is stereotyped as performing poorly in quantitative courses. Students completed the same 20-item math test under one of two instructions. In the “diagnostic” condition, the test was described as measuring innate quantitative ability and students indicated their group identity before beginning. In the “practice” condition, the test was described as a non-diagnostic problem set and group identity was collected afterward. Group A students scored lower in the diagnostic condition (M=11.2) than in the practice condition (M=14.8), while students from a non-stereotyped comparison group showed minimal differences across conditions. Based on the vignette, what conclusion is most consistent with stereotype threat?