Effects of confirmations and disconfirmations on stereotype-based attributions

Examines the effects of evidence that confirmed or disconfirmed a stereotype on Ss' use of that stereotype in forming impressions of a member of the stereotyped group. In a study with 130 female undergraduates, Ss learned about typical behaviors of 3 friends of the target person and then indicated their impressions of that person. The mere mention of membership in the stereotyped group increased stereotypic attributions. Confirming evidence was more effective in increasing stereotyping when it was dispersed across the 3 friends' descriptions than when it was concentrated in one friend's description, whereas disconfirming evidence was more effective in decreasing stereotyping when it was concentrated in one friend's description than when it was dispersed across several friends' descriptions.