How do stereotypes affect cognitive processing?

Stereotypes often lead to biases in perception and judgment by influencing how individuals interpret information about others. When a stereotype is activated, it can create preconceptions that shape a person's expectations and understanding of a situation or individual. This means that, instead of assessing someone based on their unique characteristics or behaviors, a person may rely on generalized beliefs held about a group, which can distort their perception and lead to inaccurate judgments.

For example, if someone has a stereotype that a particular demographic group is less competent, they may overlook evidence of an individual from that group who is highly skilled. This cognitive bias affects not just personal interactions but can also extend to decision-making in various contexts, such as hiring practices or law enforcement.

While some might argue that stereotypes can sometimes simplify decision-making and problem-solving, this simplification often comes at the cost of accuracy and fairness. Thus, the impact of stereotypes on cognitive processing is predominantly negative, leading to biased evaluations and potentially perpetuating discrimination.