Attitudes, Stereotypes, and Prejudice
An investigation into the formation of attitudes, the cognitive processes behind stereotyping, and the social implications of prejudice and discrimination.
TL;DR:This topic examines the cognitive and social roots of how we view others. Students explore how attitudes are formed through experience and social learning, and how they can be changed through persuasion. A significant portion of the unit is dedicated to understanding stereotypes (cognitive), prejudice (affective), and discrimination (behavioural).
About This Topic
This topic examines the cognitive and social roots of how we view others. Students explore how attitudes are formed through experience and social learning, and how they can be changed through persuasion. A significant portion of the unit is dedicated to understanding stereotypes (cognitive), prejudice (affective), and discrimination (behavioural).
In Australia, this topic is vital for understanding our multicultural society. Students look at the history of prejudice, including the White Australia Policy and the ongoing impacts of colonisation on First Nations peoples. They also investigate psychological strategies to reduce prejudice, such as the contact hypothesis and superordinate goals. This topic requires a sensitive, student-centered approach to ensure a safe environment for discussion. Students grasp these complex social issues faster through structured discussion and peer explanation.
Key Questions
- How are attitudes formed and changed?
- What is the psychological basis of stereotyping?
- How can prejudice and discrimination be reduced?
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionStereotypes are always negative.
What to Teach Instead
Students often forget 'positive' stereotypes (e.g., 'all Asians are good at maths'). Teachers should explain that even 'positive' stereotypes are harmful because they ignore individual differences and create unrealistic pressures.
Common MisconceptionPrejudice and discrimination are the same thing.
What to Teach Instead
Students often confuse the feeling with the action. A 'sorting' activity with different scenarios helps students distinguish between the internal attitude (prejudice) and the external action (discrimination).
Active Learning Ideas
See all activities→Gallery Walk
Media Stereotypes
Students bring in or find advertisements and news clips. They move around the room identifying the stereotypes present and discussing how these images might reinforce prejudice in the Australian public.
Simulation Game
The Blue-Eyed/Brown-Eyed Exercise
Using a modified, age-appropriate version of Jane Elliott's exercise, students experience being 'in-group' or 'out-group' based on an arbitrary characteristic, followed by a deep debrief on the feelings of discrimination.
Inquiry Circle
Reducing Prejudice
Groups are given a scenario of community tension (e.g., between long-term residents and new migrants). They must use psychological principles like 'superordinate goals' to design a community event that reduces friction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tri-component model of attitudes?
What is the difference between prejudice and discrimination?
How can we reduce prejudice in society?
How can active learning help students understand prejudice?
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