Implicit Bias, Stereotype Threat and Higher Ed | Russell McClain | TEDxUniversityofMarylandBaltimore

Summary

In this insightful talk, the speaker shares a personal anecdote about a racially stereotypical image on a cereal box, which prompts a discussion on the pervasive nature of stereotypes in society. The speaker delves into the concept of 'stereotype threat,' explaining how it can negatively impact performance, particularly in educational settings. The talk emphasizes the importance of fostering a 'growth mindset' to counteract stereotype threat, encouraging the belief in one's ability to learn and improve. The speaker advocates for cultivating this mindset in ourselves and others to help everyone achieve their full potential.

Takeaways

• 👨‍👧‍👦 The speaker is having breakfast with their children and feeding them cereal, which leads to a discussion about the imagery on the cereal box.
• 🤔 The speaker, being an educator, feels the need to explain to their children why the single brown character on the cereal box, who is portrayed differently from the others, is problematic.
• 🌟 The script highlights the pervasive presence of stereotypes in society, including in media, news, movies, and even on cereal boxes.
• 🧠 Stereotypes can influence our perceptions and behaviors, leading to a societal bias where certain groups are unfairly characterized.
• 🚫 The concept of 'stereotype threat' is introduced, which refers to the anxiety and reduced performance that can occur when individuals risk confirming negative stereotypes about their group.
• 📉 Stereotype threat has been shown to negatively impact academic performance across all levels of education.
• 🏆 The speaker suggests that cultivating a 'growth mindset' can counteract the effects of stereotype threat and improve performance.
• 🌱 A growth mindset is described as viewing abilities as malleable and capable of improvement through effort and learning, rather than as fixed traits.
• 💪 The importance of fostering a growth mindset in ourselves and others is emphasized to help individuals reach their full potential.
• 🌟 The speaker concludes by sharing personal anecdotes about teaching their children to view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.

Q & A

What is the main issue the speaker identifies with the cereal box image?

The speaker identifies a problematic image on the cereal box where one character, who is brown, is depicted differently from the rest, suggesting a stereotype that could negatively influence children's perceptions.

What is the term used to describe the negative influence of stereotypes on individuals' performance?

The term used is 'stereotype threat,' which refers to the fear of confirming a negative stereotype about one's group, affecting one's ability to perform at their best.

How does the speaker explain the concept of stereotype threat using the example of women and math?

The speaker explains that when women who are good at math are given a challenging math test with a reminder that it reveals differences between men and women, they tend to perform worse due to the stereotype threat, not achieving their full potential.

What is the role of a 'growth mindset' in combating stereotype threat?

A 'growth mindset' views abilities as malleable and capable of growth, which can help individuals overcome stereotype threat by focusing on learning and improvement rather than being limited by fixed abilities.

Why is it important to cultivate a growth mindset according to the speaker?

Cultivating a growth mindset is important because it can improve academic performance, particularly for those subject to stereotype threat, and it encourages a belief in one's ability to learn and master new things.

What is the speaker's profession, and how does it influence his perspective on stereotypes?

The speaker is an educator, which influences his perspective on stereotypes by making him more attuned to the potential negative impacts on children's learning and development.

How does the speaker suggest addressing the issue of stereotypes in society?

The speaker suggests addressing stereotypes by promoting a growth mindset, which emphasizes the brain's ability to learn and grow, and by challenging and changing the narratives that perpetuate stereotypes.

What is the impact of stereotype threat on cognitive function according to the script?

Stereotype threat can create anxiety and excessive cognitive load, interfering with memory access and peak performance, as if the brain is filled with 'noise' that takes up operating space needed for task performance.

How does the speaker use the example of miniature golf to illustrate stereotype threat?

The speaker uses the example of black men and white men playing miniature golf, where the framing of the game as a test of strategic decision-making or athletic ability triggers stereotype threat, leading to poorer performance.

What is the speaker's advice for parents and educators regarding stereotype threat?

The speaker advises parents and educators to cultivate a growth mindset in themselves and in children, to view struggles as learning opportunities, and to challenge and change the stereotypes that limit potential.

Outlines

00:00

👨‍🏫 Challenging Stereotypes in Children's Media

The speaker begins by sharing a personal anecdote about having breakfast with his children, where they consume a cereal that features cartoon characters on the box. One character stands out as different, wearing denim and listening to music, which the speaker identifies as a stereotype. As an educator, he feels compelled to explain to his children why this portrayal is problematic. He discusses the pervasive nature of stereotypes in society, how they can influence perceptions of different groups, and the concept of 'stereotype threat', which refers to the anxiety that arises when individuals risk confirming negative stereotypes about their group. The speaker provides examples of how stereotype threat can affect performance, such as women underperforming on math tests when reminded of gender stereotypes, and how it can impact individuals across various domains of life.

05:01

🏌️‍♂️ The Impact of Stereotype Threat on Performance

The speaker delves deeper into the concept of stereotype threat, using the example of a study where black men performed worse on a miniature golf course when told it was a test of strategic decision-making, a task associated with intelligence. Conversely, when white men were told it was a test of athletic ability, they underperformed due to the stereotype that black men are more athletic. The speaker explains that stereotype threat can create cognitive load and anxiety, which interferes with memory access and peak performance. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing stereotype threat in educational and professional settings, as it can affect individuals from elementary school to graduate school and beyond.

10:02

🌱 Cultivating a Growth Mindset to Overcome Stereotypes

The speaker suggests that fostering a 'growth mindset' can help mitigate the effects of stereotype threat. A growth mindset views abilities as malleable and capable of improvement, rather than fixed. This mindset encourages individuals to see challenges as opportunities for learning and growth, rather than as insurmountable barriers. The speaker shares how he works to instill this mindset in his students, colleagues, and children, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and learning from mistakes. He concludes with a humorous anecdote about his children's newfound awareness, suggesting that they are now 'woke' and may protest against the stereotypical imagery on cereal boxes, highlighting the speaker's commitment to challenging stereotypes and promoting a more inclusive mindset.

Keywords

💡Stereotype

A stereotype is an oversimplified and generalized belief or image about a particular type of person or thing. In the video, the speaker discusses how stereotypes are pervasive in society, including in media and on cereal boxes, and how they can negatively influence perceptions and behaviors. The example of a single character on a cereal box who is depicted differently than the others illustrates how stereotypes can be subtly communicated.

💡Stereotype Threat

Stereotype threat refers to the risk of confirming a negative stereotype about one's group. The video explains that when individuals are aware of a stereotype that could apply to them, it can create anxiety and affect their performance on tasks. For instance, the speaker mentions studies where women performed worse on math tests and Black men performed worse on a miniature golf task when they were told the activity was a test of intelligence.

💡Cognitive Load

Cognitive load is the amount of mental effort being used in working memory. The video describes how stereotype threat can create 'excessive cognitive load,' which fills up the brain's 'operating space' with anxiety and self-doubt, leaving less capacity for the task at hand. This concept is used to explain why individuals might underperform when they are at risk of confirming a negative stereotype.

💡Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. The speaker in the video advocates for cultivating a growth mindset to counteract the effects of stereotype threat. This mindset encourages individuals to view challenges as opportunities for learning and growth, rather than as evidence of fixed limitations.

💡Academic Performance

Academic performance refers to how well a student does in school, typically measured by grades and test scores. The video connects stereotype threat to decreased academic performance, particularly among students who are subject to negative stereotypes. The speaker suggests that fostering a growth mindset can improve academic performance by helping students overcome the心理压力 of stereotypes.

💡Representation

Representation in this context refers to the presence of individuals from different groups in various areas of society, particularly in positions of influence or achievement. The video discusses the importance of representation, noting that when individuals from a particular group are underrepresented, it can reinforce stereotypes and make it harder for members of that group to succeed.

💡Minority

A minority refers to a group of people who are fewer in number compared to the main or dominant group. The video speaks to the challenges faced by minorities, such as the pressure and scrutiny that can come with being the 'only one' in a particular setting. The speaker uses personal anecdotes to illustrate the impact of these experiences on one's mindset and performance.

💡Performance

Performance in the video is discussed in the context of how well individuals can execute tasks or achieve goals. It is noted that stereotype threat can hinder performance by creating anxiety and self-doubt. The video suggests that a growth mindset can help improve performance by focusing on the potential for improvement and learning, rather than on fixed abilities.

💡Cereal Box

The cereal box in the video serves as a metaphor for the subtle ways in which stereotypes are communicated to children. The speaker uses the example of a character on a cereal box who is depicted differently from the others to illustrate how stereotypes can be embedded in everyday objects and experiences, shaping perceptions from an early age.

💡Educator

An educator is a person who teaches or instructs, often in a formal educational setting. The speaker identifies as an educator and uses this perspective to discuss the importance of addressing stereotypes and promoting a growth mindset. The video emphasizes the role of educators in shaping students' beliefs about their own abilities and potential.

💡Self-Belief

Self-belief refers to an individual's confidence in their own abilities and potential. The video argues that cultivating self-belief is crucial for overcoming stereotype threat and achieving one's full potential. The speaker encourages viewers to foster self-belief in themselves and others, emphasizing that belief in one's capabilities can lead to greater success and resilience.

Highlights

The speaker humorously introduces a story about having breakfast with his kids while eating sugary cereal.

The speaker emphasizes how cereal boxes are designed to keep children engaged with fun images and activities, leading them to consume more.

A specific character on the cereal box stands out for being brown, wearing denim, and listening to music, which leads the speaker to discuss stereotypes.

The speaker highlights the problematic nature of the stereotyped depiction and its potential negative message about roles in society.

Stereotypes are pervasive in society, appearing in media, video games, and even on cereal boxes, reinforcing negative associations.

Stereotype threat is introduced as the fear of confirming a negative stereotype, which affects behavior and performance, especially in tasks that challenge intelligence.

An example is provided where women, even those excelling in math, perform worse on a math test when reminded of the stereotype that women are bad at math.

A study shows that black men perform worse in miniature golf when told it’s a test of strategic decision-making, a stereotype linked to intelligence.

White men also perform worse in the same golf test when told it measures natural athletic ability, demonstrating the impact of stereotype threat across groups.

Stereotype threat triggers excessive cognitive load, anxiety, and interferes with memory, leading to reduced performance.

The effects of stereotype threat can impact individuals from elementary school to graduate school, highlighting its relevance in education and other environments.

The speaker advocates for growth mindset as an intervention, emphasizing that intelligence and abilities are not fixed and can be developed with effort.

A growth mindset encourages learning from mistakes and challenges, helping individuals overcome stereotypes and achieve their full potential.

The speaker emphasizes the need to cultivate growth mindset not only in others but also in oneself, fostering belief in personal and collective potential.

The importance of growth mindset is linked to various social spaces, including education, work, and parenting, as a way to combat stereotype threat.

Transcripts

[Music]

how y'all doing good

oh I'm also well thank you for asking so

I'm having breakfast with my kids and

these are my kids right

what has who has two thumbs and is the

luckiest guy in the world right so so

we're having breakfast and I'm feeding

them this delicious puffed corn and high

fructose corn syrup glazed cereal and

you can judge me if you want but my kids

love me so so we're eating this cereal

and if you know anything about kids

cereal on the back of the cereal box

there's something to keep you engaged

right because the company wants you to

keep the Box read the Box eat the cereal

read the Box eat the cereal stay engaged

so you just eat the cereal forever right

and then you have to buy more all right

so they want you to stay engaged with a

Serie so we're eating this cereal and we

look at the back of the box there's so

much fun on the back of this box

honestly there is right so on the back

of this box we see these cartoon serial

characters who are having the most fun

ever I mean they are skating they are

swimming they are swinging their even

flying holding on to an umbrella I mean

they're having a great time every

character in the scene is having a

really good time except for one

character there's one character on this

box who is different from all the rest

right is wearing denim has headphones on

listening to music and has his hat

tilted a little bit to the side right if

you can't really see it well here let me

just blow it up for you so right this

character is the only character on the

back of this box

who's brown right so I have to immediate

I'm an educator so I have to immediately

go into teacher mode and try to explain

to my kids why this image is problematic

all right I have to explain him sling to

them that somebody mean put this on the

back of the box right and it wasn't very

nice you know maybe I'm making too big a

deal out of this but what is this

communicating to my children about the

role that they play

or should play in society we're

surrounded by stereotypes right we see

them in the news and movies on TV

they're on the internet they're in video

games and yes they're even on the backs

of cereal boxes and those stereotypes

have a way of infiltrating our brains

and infecting us right so that in our

society we tend to view black as bad and

white as good we tend to see people of

color as violent we tend to see women in

liberal arts careers but not math and

science we tend to form negative

associations with people who are

overweight people who are of Nan dump do

not non dominant religions and people

who are of a different sexuality or

gender type than our heterosexual

cisgender norm and what's even worse is

that these stereotypes have a way of

making us act differently if you are a

part of a group about which there's a

negative stereotype it affects how you

think and how you behave this is even

more profound in situations where the

negative stereotype is intelligence

based especially if you are put in a

situation where you risk confirming that

negative stereotype this is something

called stereotype threat so stereotype

threat is the fear of confirming a

negative stereotype when you are

confronted with a negative stereotype

about your group and you are put at risk

of confirming that stereotype then it

actually affects your ability to engage

in the task that's in front of you so

let me give you an example so take this

negative stereotype women are bad at

math so a study looks at women who are

good at math like women who are really

good at math like women who are going to

graduate school in math good at math

right okay and give them a challenging

math test but just before the test you

say to them oh by the way this test has

been shown to reveal differences between

men and women

and what happens those women actually

perform worse on that test than they're

capable of performing they don't achieve

their full potential on that test let's

look at another negative stereotype

blacks are not as intelligent as whites

in one of the most interesting studies

on this topic researchers had college

aged men engaged in one of the most kind

of intellectually challenging tasks you

can think of miniature golf all right

you know putt-putt right with the

windmill and the clown's mouth right and

so they have them engaged in this

18-hole miniature golf course but just

before they start golfing they tell the

group this is a test of strategic

decision-making right so you can kind of

see that's triggering an intelligence

stereotype right intelligence matters

now to the outcome of this experience

that I'm about to have and what happens

the black men golfed worsts and they

were capable of golfing interestingly in

a twist on this study another group was

told that this is a test of natural

athletic ability right so white men we

don't want to leave you out right you

guys also have negative stereotypes

right and and so in that case you can

predict what happened

the white men golfed worse what's

happening there what's happening in

those situations well if you think of

your brain like a computer with limited

operating space all right if you fill up

some of that space with noise with fuzz

right with other operations and there's

not as much space left to engage in

whatever processes you want to engage it

and this is what's happening in the

brain when you're confronted with

stereotype threat it creates anxiety

what researchers call excessive

cognitive load and it interferes with

your ability to access memory your

ability to perform at your peak capacity

and it's been shown to depress academic

performance in fact it's been shown to

affect students in elementary school all

the way through graduate school in

various studies but I'll suggest to you

that this matters beyond just education

and it matters anywhere where

intelligence is at it

to anywhere where you feel like you're a

minority anywhere where you're not

represented among the high achievers in

your particular environment so this

should matter to every teacher to every

student to every politician every

policymaker to every employer every

employee and of course to every parent

and every child why should it matter

because we can actually do something

about it so there are many interventions

that work I only will talk to you today

about one and the one thing that will

affect stereotype and and can really

have the result of knocking it out is

something called growth mindset growth

mindset views the brain as elastic as

capable of growth as capable of learning

and mastering new things rather than as

fixed and as having some ability to do

some things and some ability to do other

things a growth mindset instead of

saying that I'm not good at this a

growth mindset says I can learn how to

do this right instead of saying that I

screwed up on this exam a growth mindset

says I can learn from my mistakes and

improve instead of saying I'm a failure

a growth mindset says with the right

guidance with the right kind of effort I

can do anything I can master anything so

it's incredibly important for us to

cultivate a growth mindset in those

around us it has been shown to improve

the academic performance for those who

are subject to stereotype threat and

I'll suggest to you this we should be

thinking about this at work in the

schoolhouse in all of our social work

and learning spaces because it can make

a difference but what's really equally

important is for us to cultivate this

mindset in ourselves so that we're no

longer looking at a child and saying oh

honey maybe this isn't your thing we're

no longer

listening to voices that say I can't do

this or I'm not capable but instead we

believe that they can how can we expect

them by the way to believe that they are

capable of greatness if we don't believe

that they're capable of greatness so we

have to cultivate this mindset in

ourselves and if we do that if we

cultivate it in ourselves if we

cultivate it in our children and our

co-workers and our employees in our

students then perhaps they can achieve

their full potential because it's hard

sometimes being in the minority it's

hard sometimes feeling like I'm the only

black person in the room and whatever I

say reflects not only on me but on my

whole race it's hard being a woman who

is in a science career and being

underrepresented and knowing that every

mistake you make is magnified

it's hard being poor and competing with

those who have had greater advantages

than you and feeling like everything I

do is going to be scrutinized that

they're just there waiting for me to

make that mistake so they can say yep

there it is that clouds the brain of it

interferes with our performance so I

work on this with my students all the

time I work on it with my colleagues but

most importantly I work on it with my

children and with my children I try to

teach them that every time they have a

struggle it's an opportunity to learn

that every time they face difficulty

that there's an opportunity for them to

improve that there's something in front

of them that feels like it's a barrier

then they can persevere and they can

work through it

and they can succeed my kids are woke in

fact now they're you know they're in the

cereal aisle protesting you know

so I guess now instead of instead of

having them look at the back of this box

I probably just give them a meal thank

you very much

[Applause]