If participants' ethnic identity is a central part of their self-concept, what is the most likely outcome regarding stereotypes?

• A. A. They are more affected by gender stereotypes regarding math performance.
• B. B. They are not affected by negative stereotypes regarding women's math ability.
• C. C. They are more affected by positive stereotypes regarding Asian Americans' math ability.
• D. D. They perform the same regardless of condition.

Answer: (C)

When ethnic identity is a central part of an individual’s self-concept, it plays a significant role in shaping their experiences and reactions to stereotypes, both positive and negative. In the case of positive stereotypes, such as those surrounding Asian Americans' mathematical abilities, these can serve as a source of motivation and self-affirmation for individuals who identify strongly with that ethnicity. Positive stereotypes can create an expectation that individuals will perform well in certain domains, which may lead to enhanced performance due to increased confidence and a stronger resolve to meet those expectations.

In contrast, negative stereotypes, such as those related to women's mathematical abilities, may evoke a different reaction, potentially leading to stereotype threat, where individuals are anxious about conforming to negative expectations. This can hinder performance and is often more pronounced when gender identity is a stronger aspect of self-concept for women.

Thus, when ethnic identity is central to self-concept, an individual is likely to respond positively to favorable stereotypes, such as those about Asian Americans excelling in mathematics, which can enrich their self-perception and potentially improve their performance in relevant tasks. This understanding highlights the complex interplay between identity, perception, and performance in the context of social and cultural stereotypes.