Discuss the formation of stereotypes and/or the effect(s) of stereotypes on human behaviour.

Refer to the paper 1 section B assessment criteria when awarding marks. These can be found under the “Your tests” tab > supplemental materials.

The command term “discuss” requires candidates to offer a considered review of the formation of stereotypes and/or the effect(s) of stereotypes on human behaviour.

Candidates may address the effect of stereotypes in relation to specific aspects of human behaviour or address the effect of stereotypes on behaviour in general. Both approaches are equally acceptable.

Explanations for the formation of stereotypes may include, but are not limited to:

• Grain of truth hypothesis (Campbell, 1967)
• Illusory correlation: Hamilton and Gifford (1976)
• Social Identity Theory: Hilliard and Liben (2010); Johnson, Schaller and Mullen (2000), Park and Rothbart (1982)
• Social cognitive theory: gatekeepers, personal experience, media

Effects of stereotypes on human behaviour may include, but are not limited to:

• Memory distortion (Allport and Postman (1947); Martin and Halvorson (1983)
• Misdiagnosis in mental health (Zhang, 1998; Van Ryn and Burke, 2000)
• Stereotype threat (Steele and Aronson, 1995; Shih et al, 1999)
• Prejudice and discrimination against individuals (eg Duncan, 1976; Buckhout, 1974; Gibbins, 1969) 

Relevant discussion points may include, but are not limited to:

• contrary findings or explanations (Shewach et al., 2019)
• cultural considerations
• methodological considerations

Candidates may discuss only the formation of stereotypes or only the effect(s) of stereotypes. Both approaches are equally acceptable.

If a candidate addresses both formation and effect(s) of stereotypes, the response does not need to be equally balanced in order to access marks in the top bands.

Candidates may address one potential effect of stereotypes in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge or may address more than one potential effect of stereotypes in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.