Can counter-stereotypes boost flexible thinking?. (March 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gocłowska, Małgorzata A.; Crisp, Richard J.; Labuschagne, Kirsty
• Is Part Of: Group processes and intergroup relations. Volume 16:Number 2(2013)
• Page Start: 217
• Page End: 231
• Publication Date: 2013-03
• Subjects: creativity -- flexibility -- mindsets -- prejudice -- stereotypes; Intergroup relations -- Periodicals; Social groups -- Periodicals; 302.305
• DOI: 10.1177/1368430212445076
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-4302

Abstract

To reduce prejudice psychologists design interventions requiring people to think of counter-stereotypes (i.e., people who defy stereotypic expectations— a strong woman, a Black President ). Grounded in the idea that stereotypes constrain the ability to think flexibly, we propose that thinking of counter-stereotypes can have benefits that extend beyond the goal of prejudice reduction—in particular to tasks measuring cognitive flexibility and creative performance. Findings supported this conjecture. In Experiment 1 priming a gender counter-stereotype enhanced cognitive flexibility. This effect could not be attributed to changes in mood. In Experiment 2, using a gender-independent manipulation, priming various social counter-stereotypes brought a boost to creative performance. We discuss implications of these extended benefits of counter-stereotypic thinking for developing future prejudice-reduction interventions.