Influence of internal versus external egalitarian goals on stereotype accessibility following goal-behaviour discrepancies

Kimberley, Laura Frances (2014). Influence of internal versus external egalitarian goals on stereotype accessibility following goal-behaviour discrepancies. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

Preview

Kimberley14PhD.pdf
PDF - Accepted Version
Download (1MB)

Abstract

The mechanism through which goals influence stereotype activation/control is unclear. This thesis aimed to shed some light on the mechanism through which internally-generated and externally-imposed goals influence stereotype activation by applying Fishbach and colleagues’ model of goal progress. Across six experiments, I demonstrated that (1) internal, but not external, egalitarian goals result in less stereotype accessibility (consistent with egalitarian goal pursuit) following a potentially large goal–behaviour discrepancy (Experiment 2), (2) external, but not internal, egalitarian goals result in less stereotype accessibility (consistent with egalitarian goal pursuit) when contemplating past success (Experiment 1), but not following a potentially small goal–behaviour discrepancy or a potential goal–behaviour match (Experiments 3 & 4), and (3) internal egalitarian goals result in concern over including ambiguous faces in the ingroup, but only following a potential goal–behaviour discrepancy. External egalitarian goals irrespective of goal–behaviour discrepancy size, and internal egalitarian goals following a potential goal–behaviour match, both result in concern over accurate categorisation (Experiment 6). These findings suggest that the source of a goal (i.e., internal vs. external), and discrepancy size for internal, but not external, goals, are important parts of the mechanism through which goals influence social categorisation and stereotype activation.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):