The Role of Executive Functions in Stereotyping in the Face of Stereotype-Inconsistent Exemplars

Controlled processing of stereotype-inconsistent information (e.g., stereotype reduction, subtyping) requires motivation and ability. Research on ability in stereotyping has focused on general attentional resources, neglecting specific cognitive abilities underlying the controlled processing of stereotype-inconsistent information. We examined the roles of the executive functions of updating, inhibition, and switching in stereotype reduction and maintenance. In two studies, when a stereotype-inconsistent group member was presented, those with both greater inhibitory and greater updating ability showed more stereotype reduction, suggesting that these executive functions are jointly important for regulating stereotype accessibility and integrating stereotype-inconsistent information into group representations. In Study 2, this interaction was eliminated when information that could be used to subtype the stereotype-inconsistent group member was provided.