Self-fulfilling stereotype accuracy is specious, not genuinely valid

Evidence

To assess the actual distributions of groups on some attribute dimension, as portrayed in figure 8.1, we would need to draw representative samples from both groups and then accurately assess the location of each sampled individual on the attribute dimension. This is difficult from two points of view: sampling and measurement. Socially significant groups that figure in stereotyping and prejudice are often vaguely and imprecisely defined. If we are to sample individuals to assess their actual location along an attribute dimension, how do we define the population of all group members from which we should representatively sample? For instance, how do we define ethnic group membership in the United States? Drawing a random sample clearly depends on defining who is in the population and who is not. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 867 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Stereotypes need not originate from kernels of truth — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2954; Endorsement of a stereotype is unnecessary for it to impair performance; Irrelevant info is repurposed to explain away stereotype-disconfirming deviance — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice: Fifty Years…, 1177 (+9 more)

Broader Connections

• Judging stereotype accuracy presupposes defining group membership boundaries that are vague #complicates (0.78) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 867