Final answer:
Research suggests that stereotype threat causes girls to do worse than their abilities allow on difficult math problems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Research suggests that stereotype threat causes girls to do worse than their abilities allow on difficult math problems. Stereotype threat refers to the phenomenon where individuals experience anxiety and underperform due to the fear of confirming negative stereotypes about their group. Girls may struggle with math problems because they are aware of the stereotype that girls are not good at math, leading to increased pressure and reduced performance.