All these people are taking the SAT. Who is most likely to experience stereotype threat?

• A. A White student who is confident in their test-taking abilities
• B. An African American student who is aware of negative stereotypes about their group's academic performance
• C. A student who has never heard of stereotypes related to the SAT
• D. A student who is taking the SAT in a private room with no one else present

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of stereotype threat, which occurs when individuals are at risk of confirming negative stereotypes about their social group, potentially leading to decreased performance.
2. Step 2: Identify which group in the problem is aware of negative stereotypes related to their group's academic abilities, as awareness is key to experiencing stereotype threat.
3. Step 3: Recognize that confidence in test-taking abilities or lack of awareness of stereotypes reduces the likelihood of experiencing stereotype threat.
4. Step 4: Consider the testing environment; taking the test alone may reduce social pressure but does not eliminate stereotype threat if the individual is aware of the stereotype.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the individual most likely to experience stereotype threat is the one who is both aware of negative stereotypes about their group's academic performance.