Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Negative information refers to any unfavorable or critical data, facts, or opinions about a particular group. It can include stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, or any harmful beliefs.
Stereotype threat occurs when individuals are aware of negative stereotypes about their social group, which can lead to anxiety and underperformance in certain situations.
Cognitive dissonance refers to the discomfort we feel when we hold conflicting beliefs or attitudes. In this context, it could arise when someone has both positive and negative views of a certain group due to exposure to negative information.