A stereotype differs from an attitude by mixing beliefs with diverging evaluative valences.

Evidence

A stereotype is a socially shared set of beliefs about traits that are characteristic of members of a social category. Whereas an attitude implies a consistent evaluative response to its object, a stereotype may encompass beliefs with widely diverging evaluative implications. For example, the stereotype of members of a certain group (e.g., cheerleaders) may simultaneously include the traits of being physically attractive (positive) and unintelligent (negative). Stereotypes guide judgment and action to the extent that a person acts toward another as if the other possesses traits included in the stereotype. — Anthony G. Greenwald and Mahzarin R. Banaji, Implicit Social Cognition, 177

Categorization

• DEFINE: Sharpens the attitude-versus-stereotype distinction: one consistent evaluative response vs. a bundle of beliefs with mixed valences (e.g., attractive-but-unintelligent cheerleaders). This contrast matters for the implicit-bias framing the reader is tracking.
• XREF: Connects to how implicit cognition theory treats stereotype content separately from evaluative attitude toward a group, which bears on the attitude-vs-stereotype implicit measures question. — connects to: Mixed stereotypes feel unproblematic because the two dimensions are separable — Susan T. Fiske et al., A Model of (Often Mixed) Stereotype…, 33; Stereotype content adapts to serve a resistant underlying attitude; Stereotypic beliefs slide to fit unchanging prejudiced attitudes — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice: Fifty Years…, 835 (+4 more)

Broader Connections

• Stereotypes can hold logically contradictory attributions against the same group #expands (0.78)
• The same perceiver holds mutually contradictory stereotypes about one group #exemplifies (0.76) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 1371
• Stereotypic beliefs slide to fit unchanging prejudiced attitudes #expands (0.74) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 835
• Stereotype content adapts to serve a resistant underlying attitude #expands (0.72)
• Stereotypes can be after-the-fact rationalizations justifying pre-existing emotions #expands (0.72)
• Changes in stereotype content reflect adaptation to social norms, not reduced prejudice #expands (0.71) — Cristian Tileagă, The Nature of Prejudice, 204