The term “stereotype threat” is best associated with the concept of
Select one
A. the self-fulfilling prophecy.
B. convergent thinking.
C. cognitive dissonance.
D. obedience.

Stereotype threat refers to the anxiety individuals experience when they are at risk of conforming to a negative stereotype about their social group. This phenomenon was first identified by social psychologists Claude Steele and Joshua Aronson in the 1990s, demonstrating how the fear of confirming stereotypes can hinder performance in academic and professional settings.

In the real world, stereotype threat can significantly impact various groups. For instance, women in STEM fields may perform worse on math tests not due to a lack of ability, but because they are reminded of stereotypes suggesting that women are less capable in mathematics. This creates a double whammy where individuals feel pressured and perform below their potential, which can perpetuate negative stereotypes even further.