Causal Uncertainty and Stereotype Avoidance: The Role of Perceived Category Fit

Abstract

Past research has found that high levels of causal uncertainty (CU) are associated with less reliance on available stereotypes. In the current research, we examined lack of category fit and a consequent movement along the impression formation continuum as the underlying process. Participants who were high or low in CU read about an honors student or junior. They learned 10 details: 5 suggested a low GPA and 5 suggested a high GPA. We found that high compared to low CU participants relied on the honors student stereotype less and predicted a lower GPA in the honors student condition. This effect was mediated by perceived typicality. High compared to low CU participants thought the target resembled a typical honors student to a lesser extent. In addition, an examination of participants' open-ended comments about the target revealed that high compared to low CU participants were further along the impression formation continuum.