Stereotyping as a Cognitive Process: The Effect of Stereotypic Expectations on The Memory and Interpretation of Person Information

Abstract

This research examined the way in which stereotypes mediate the memory and interpretation of person information. The predictions of three models of person memory were tested. In addition, the validity of three hypotheses describing the way in which stereotypes mediate trait inferences were assessed. These hypotheses and models were tested in an impression formation task employing sex-role stereotypes. Each subject was given biographical as well as trait and behavioral information describing a male or a female stimulus person who was either a managerial trainee or a social work intern. All subjects completed recall, recognition, and trait rating tasks either immediately after receiving the stimulus material, or one week later in a second session. Recall, but not recognition of the stimulus material was significantly higher when that information was inconsistent with sex-role stereotypes. However, this effect occurred only when the stimulus person was a social work intern. The combination of recall and recognition findings was consistent with the Hastie model of person memory. Although sex-role stereotypes did affect the memory of person information, these effects were not reflected in subjects ratings of the stimulus person. Results were discussed in relation to their implications for the way in which expectations in general, as well as stereotypes in particular, affect the processing of interpersonal information.