Georges Schadron

Stereotypes and social cognition

Preface - Susan T Fiske The Concept and Measure of Stereotypes Classical Theories about Stereotypes Social Identity Theory The Social Cognition Approach Intergroup Phenomena A View from the Bridge Confirmation of Categorical Information Dilution of Stereotypes Overattribution Bias as Na[um]ive Theory Conclusion

The Social Judgeability Approach to Stereotypes

Existing models of impression formation and stereotyping focus on the fit between data and theory, or between individuating and categorical information. This fit is supposed to be determined by cognitive and motivational factors. It is proposed that current perspectives on social judgment can be enriched by going beyond data and theory and adding a third aspect, the social judgeability of the target. First, this new approach is presented in its broad lines. Second, several ways to manipulate judgeability are suggested. Throughout the chapter, we build upon earlier work and provide new empirical evidence. Also, classic experiments are reinterpreted within this new framework which considers stereotypes as social explanations and not as errors or prejudices.

Social Judgeability and the Dilution of Stereotypes: The Impact of the Nature and Sequence of Information

Social judgeability theory holds that people rely on naive theories when forming impressions. One rule is that perceivers should not judge others on the sole basis of their stereotypes. They may, however, misattribute a category-based impression to the target information and fall prey to the illusion of being informed provided individuating evidence is present and the stereotype is not made salient. The authors suggest that such a misattribution process contributes to the dilution of stereotypes. Subjects rated a member of a stereotyped group either after or both before and after reception of target information. The authors predicted that pseudorelevant information (i.e., information nondiagnostic for the specific judgment but diagnostic for many others) but not irrelevant information would lead to a stereotypical single judgment and dilute an initial stereotyped evaluation. Results confirmed the hypotheses and stress the role of implicit rules in social inference.

Doctoral training in the French-speaking countries of Europe: Objectives and suggestions for improvement

In this article we discuss a number of objectives we consider important for improving graduate training. In addition, we propose several methods by which each objective may be attained. The suggestions are geared toward Francophone universities in Europe (including France, Belgium, and Switzerland) and their particular constraints, but they may prove useful for colleagues in other countries as well. First, we discuss how doctoral students can receive top-quality training in order to acquire the knowledge specfic to the demands of a future university professor and researcher. Next, we develop more general objectives, including the development of a broad view of the discipline and the acquisition of skills such as the ability to write and publish scientific articles. We also emphasize the involvement of graduate students in professional activities and the necessity of developing close contacts with members of the broader scientific community. Finally, we discuss the selection of and the financial support for graduate students.