Effect of self-efficacy in stereotype activation

• Pei Wang

  Nanjing Normal University and Shanghai Normal University

• Pei Zhou

  Shanghai Normal University

• Cheng-Hao Tan

  Shanghai Normal University

• Peng-Cheng Zhang

  Nantong University

We examined whether or not self-efficacy plays a role in stereotype-activation effect. We found in Study 1 (N = 46) that compared to being primed with the stereotype of an occupation that required less mental effort (cleaner), participants primed with the stereotype of a highly qualified information technology expert performed better in a general knowledge test. Self-efficacy reliably mediated the effect of stereotype activation on test performance. In Study 2 (N = 46) we found that the group primed with the stereotype of an athlete exhibited greater endurance in a physical test than did those who were primed with the stereotype of a homeless person. These results show that self-efficacy beliefs acted as a mediator in the behavior of the participants.

1. Pei Wang, Nanjing Normal University and Shanghai Normal University
   School of Psychology, Department of Psychology
2. Pei Zhou, Shanghai Normal University
   Department of Psychology
3. Cheng-Hao Tan, Shanghai Normal University
   Department of Psychology
4. Peng-Cheng Zhang, Nantong University

   College of Education, Department of Psychology

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