The effect of stereotype threat on females’ spatial perspective taking and the mediating role of executive functions

Abstract

Females are considered to be at a disadvantage in spatial perspective taking. In this study, we examined whether stereotype threat negatively affects females’ spatial perspective-taking ability and executive functions. Then we explored which components of executive function play a mediating role in the effect of stereotype threat on females’ spatial perspective-taking ability. We carried out two experiments. In Experiment 1, female participants in a stereotype threat condition or a control condition completed a spatial perspective-taking test. The results showed that females’ spatial perspective-taking ability was reduced by stereotype threat. In Experiment 2, female participants were again assigned to a stereotype threat condition or a control condition; then they were asked to complete tasks measuring three executive functions (inhibition, shifting, and updating), following which they completed the spatial perspective-taking test. Experiment 2 found that stereotype threat decreased inhibition, updating, and spatial perspective-taking performance. The results also showed that only inhibition accounted for the effect of stereotype threat on spatial perspective taking. To sum up, the results from the current study shed new light on the relationship between stereotype threat and spatial perspective-taking ability and explained the relationship from a more detailed perspective.