Applying recommendations from the literature on stereotype threat: Two field studies

摘要

Purpose: The objective of these two studies was to apply recommendations from the literature on stereotype threat to reduce the magnitude of subgroup differences in an employment context. Design/Methodology/Approach: With a sample of prospective applicants for the job of firefighter, the effects of "reduced-threat" preparation sessions about the test (Study 1) and about the job (Study 2) were examined, relative to conventional counterparts. Findings: In Study 1, there was no evidence to suggest that the reduced-threat test-related session was more effective than its conventional counterpart. In Study 2, the magnitude of subgroup differences was larger for those in the reduced-threat job-related session. Implications: No evidence was found to suggest that standard personnel practice exacerbates existing subgroup differences, as compared to efforts to apply the recommendations from the literature on stereotype threat. Originality/Value: This is one of the few investigations to study test- and job-related stereotype threat in an employment context. Additionally, this investigation is unique in that it compares conventional practices to those derived from the literature on stereotype threat.