TY - JOUR
T1 - Stereotype strength and attentional bias
T2 - Preference for confirming versus disconfirming information depends on processing capacity
AU - Allen, Thomas J.
AU - Sherman, Jeffrey
AU - Conrey, Frederica R.
AU - Stroessner, Steven J.
PY - 2009/9/1
Y1 - 2009/9/1
N2 - In two experiments, we investigated the relationships among stereotype strength, processing capacity, and the allocation of attention to stereotype-consistent versus stereotype-inconsistent information describing a target person. The results of both experiments showed that, with full capacity, greater stereotype strength was associated with increased attention toward stereotype-consistent versus stereotype-inconsistent information. However, when capacity was diminished, greater stereotype strength was associated with increased attention toward inconsistent versus consistent information. Thus, strong stereotypes may act as self-confirming filters when processing capacity is plentiful, but as efficient information gathering devices that maximize the acquisition of novel (disconfirming) information when capacity is depleted. Implications for models of stereotyping and stereotype change are discussed.
AB - In two experiments, we investigated the relationships among stereotype strength, processing capacity, and the allocation of attention to stereotype-consistent versus stereotype-inconsistent information describing a target person. The results of both experiments showed that, with full capacity, greater stereotype strength was associated with increased attention toward stereotype-consistent versus stereotype-inconsistent information. However, when capacity was diminished, greater stereotype strength was associated with increased attention toward inconsistent versus consistent information. Thus, strong stereotypes may act as self-confirming filters when processing capacity is plentiful, but as efficient information gathering devices that maximize the acquisition of novel (disconfirming) information when capacity is depleted. Implications for models of stereotyping and stereotype change are discussed.
KW - Attention
KW - Cognitive load
KW - Implicit associations
KW - Stereotype strength
KW - Stereotyping
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=68049088654&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=68049088654&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.jesp.2009.06.002
DO - 10.1016/j.jesp.2009.06.002
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:68049088654
VL - 45
SP - 1081
EP - 1087
JO - Journal of Experimental Social Psychology
JF - Journal of Experimental Social Psychology
SN - 0022-1031
IS - 5
ER -