Stereotyping increases when perceivers lack cognitive energy

Evidence

In general, enhanced motivation and sufficient capacity to process fine-grained information increase perceivers’ likelihood of attending to individuating information (rather than applying stereotypes). A striking example comes from a demonstration that “morning people” (vs. “night people”) are more likely to be influenced by their stereotypes when confronted with a judgment task late (vs. early) in the day (Bodenhausen, 1990). In other words, more stereotyping is obtained when perceivers lack the energy to fulfill the judgment task than when they can count on their full intellectual vigor. — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 1168 (#exemplifies, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Distraction raises stereotype expression but lowers stereotype activation — Anthony G. Greenwald and Mahzarin R. Banaji, Implicit Social Cognition: Attitudes,…, 239; Mortality salience increases stereotypic thinking and preference for stereotype-confirming others. — Jeff Greenberg and Spee Kosloff, Terror Management Theory: Implications…, 45; Low mental energy increases reliance on stereotypes for judgment (+5 more)

Broader Connections

• Low mental energy increases reliance on stereotypes for judgment #expands (0.95)
• Cognitive fatigue increases reliance on stereotypes #exemplifies (0.93) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 1168