What does stereotype threat refer to in the context of intelligence testing?

Stereotype threat refers to the psychological phenomenon where individuals may underperform on a task when they are aware of a stereotype that suggests that their social group is not expected to excel in that task. In the context of intelligence testing, this can lead to anxiety and decreased performance because individuals fear confirming negative stereotypes related to their racial, ethnic, gender, or socioeconomic group.

When people are acutely aware of these stereotypes, such as the belief that a particular group is less intelligent or capable, the pressure associated with these stereotypes can interfere with their cognitive functioning, resulting in lower test scores. This mechanism can be especially pronounced in high-stakes situations, such as standardized testing, where the implications of performance can be significant.

By recognizing stereotype threat, researchers and educators can work to create environments that minimize these pressures, helping to ensure that individuals have the opportunity to perform to the best of their abilities without the weight of societal expectations weighing them down. This knowledge is critical in understanding disparities in educational and occupational achievements across different groups.