Problem 1. In order to understand intergroup relations, Wright claimed we need to start by understanding 'the self'. In his discussion of 'the self', he suggested that while we may sometimes think of our self- concept (our identity) as a relatively small number of consistent traits and personal characteristics, this is really not a very good representation.
a) What was the alternative description of the self-concept that Wright proposed?
b) What does this alternative description mean for how 'the self' is constructed?
c) From this perspective, describe 2 things that will determine "who we are" at any given time? d) Describe 2 things that this way of thinking about the nature of 'the self' helps to explain? Reminder: A request to "describe" something means you must provide more than just a name or brief definition.
Problem 2. One of the reason Wright presented for "Why stereotypes sometimes go wrong" was that negative stereotypes can be self-perpetuating - they can lead members of a stereotyped group to act in ways that confirm the negative stereotype. In summarizing this idea, Wright described four distinct processes (reasons) that might lead someone to confirm a negative stereotype about their group. a) Briefly describe 3 of these processes that can lead someone to perform poorly in a domain where their group is negatively stereotyped.
b) Describe the ways that these 3 processes are different from each other. (e.g., How do they differ in terms of who/what is responsible for the stereotype-consistent behaviour, or in terms of who holds/believes the negative stereotypes, or....?) You should include as many differences as you have space for within the word limit.
In the book Biased, Eberhardt discusses all aspect of bias, including: what it is; where it might come from; and how it can influence our lives. Based on Eberhardt's accounts:
a) explain what implicit bias is (be sure your explanation discusses both "implicit" and "bias");
b) provide one example of how bias can negatively impact those who are the targets;
c) pick one of the following and describe how it can cultivate ("teach" or reinforce) bias: early learning in childhood; consistent associations made in our environment; institutional practices in police forces; neighbourhood segregation; attempts to be "colour blind" (e.g., teachers in schools); practices in higher education; practices in workplaces.
Wright & Taylor (2003), in the chapter The social psychology of cultural diversity: Social stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination, claim that stereotypes and prejudice (referred to as "intergroup attitudes") can not only be the cause of problems between groups, they can serve as justifications for existing inequality and negative treatment of outgroups. Explain what they mean by this and give at least 2 examples.
Hint: Wright also offered a discussion of this idea in class that may help you prepare your answer.