Stereotypical processing: The role of environmental context

Previous research examining stereotype dilution had illustrated the importa nce of task instructions (Neuberg & Fiske, 1987), outcome dependence (Erber & Fiske, 1984; Neuberg & Fiske, 1987), and information about the target in dividual (Krueger & Rothbart, 1988; Macrae et at., 1992). This :paper prese nts two studies investigating the stability of an occupational stereotype u nder different environmental conditions. Specifically it examines the maint enance and dilution of stereotypical judgements about licensees (pub manage rs) amongst undergraduate students. The results of the first study provide evidence for a context-free stereotype about public house licenses. However , results from the second study suggest that thin stereotype is influenced by environmental conditions. That is, subjects do not simply continue to st ereotype regardless of context, rather, under certain environmental conditi ons they individuate and reduce the impact of their stereotypical judgement s. Implications for stereotype research and the role of environmental varia bles are made. (C) 1999 Academic Press.