Discussion:
Stereotypes and Impression Formation
We often use cognitive schemata to form impressions of other people and interpret their messages. Person prototypes are ideal representations of a certain kind of person. They are used to identify and classify people. Say for instance back when you were in high school, there were students who were classified as nerds, the most popular group, and losers in high school.
1) How might your communication behavior change if you were to talk to members of each of these groups. (Nerd Group--Popular Group?Jocks/Athetes Group)
A. (Nerds/Smart Kids) In order to communicate with this group what would their conversation most likely consist of?
B. (Popular /Cool Kids). In order to communicate with this group what would their conversation most likely consist of?
C.(Jocks/Athletes) In order to communicate with this group what would their conversation most likely consist of?
2) Why do you think we classify people into these kinds of categories?
3) Is there any truth in any of these stereotypes?
4) Is this kind of activity relatively harmless, or is it harmful at some level?
5) What kind of stereotypes can be damaging?
6) How can people be encouraged to look beyond stereotypes?