Critically evaluate the cognitive theory of stereotyping.

B231: Social Interaction, Exam Paper 1998, Question 4.

Graeme Gordon



Stereotyping is a form of pre judgement that is as prevalent in today's society as it was 2000 years ago. It is a social attitude that has stood the test of time and received much attention by social psychologists and philosophers alike. Many approaches to, or theories of stereotyping have thus been raised. This essay evaluates the cognitive approach that categorisation is an essential cognitive process that inevitably leads to stereotyping. Hamilton (1979) calls this a 'depressing dilemma'.

Brown's (1995) definition of stereotyping through prejudice is the 'holding of derogatory social attitudes or cognitive beliefs, the expression of negative affect, or the display of hostile or discriminatory behaviour towards members of a group on account of their membership to that group'. This definition implies that stereotyping is primarily a group......

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Title: Critically Evaluate The Cognitive Theory Of Stereotyping.
Approximate Word Count: 3201
Approximate Pages: 13 (250 words per double-spaced page)

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