How do occupation stereotypes influence memory? : investigating the effects of stereotype consistency/inconsistency, stereotype valence and perspective taking.

Abstract

Research had examined the influence of stereotypes and perspective taking upon memory. The present study examines how occupation stereotypes can influence memory, via stereotype consistency/inconsistency, stereotype valence and perspective taking. Analyses from a split-plot ANOVA revealed enhancing effects of stereotypes upon memory (N = 96). Specifically, upon activation of positive stereotypes, participants showed superior memory for stereotype-consistent information in helping scenarios and stereotype-inconsistent information in crime-related scenarios. Perspective taking had no influence upon stereotyping and memory. This study provides novel findings regarding mechanisms governing stereotypes and memory. Importantly, practical implications suggest that occupation stereotypes are automatically activated to enhance eyewitness memory. Victims’ memories are also possibly as accurate as those of eyewitnesses and should warrant more worth during criminal convictions.