Stereotype inaccuracy takes three distinct measurable forms

Evidence

One would ideally like to ask perceivers to locate groups (and their individual members) on the same attribute dimensions (using the same continua endpoints and metrics) as were used to assess the criterion (i.e., the actual group distributions). Then one could simply calculate the three forms of stereotype inaccuracies by computing difference scores. Collapsing across multiple attribute dimensions, balanced in their valence, are the groups seen to be more different than they actually are (stereotypic inaccuracy)? Do people perceive less within-group variability than there actually is (dispersion inaccuracy)? And is the perceived ingroup–outgroup difference on valenced attributes exaggerated on ones that favor the ingroup and understated on ones that favor the outgroup (valence inaccuracy)? — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 870

Categorization

• DEFINE: Introduces the three-type taxonomy of stereotype inaccuracy: stereotypic, dispersion, and valence inaccuracy.