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By Rick Nauert PhD Senior News Editor
Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on July 27, 2010

The power of negative stereotypes should not be underestimated: Stigmatized individuals often exhibit diminished performance on exams and other skill-based activities.

Now, the effects of detrimental stereotypes are believed to inhibit learning, according to a new study by Indiana University researchers.

While the effect of negative performance stereotypes on test-taking and in other domains is well documented, the study by social psychologist Robert J. Rydell and his colleagues is the first to show that the effects might also be seen further upstream than once thought — when the skills are learned, not just performed.

“The effect on learning could be cumulative,” says Rydell, whose research focuses on stereotype threat involving women and mathematics.

Read in Full:  http://psychcentral.com/news/2010/07/27/harmful-stereotypes-hinder-learning-and-performance/16062.html