Question

Angela is one of a few women who are in advanced calculus. Her teacher calls her to the board to solve a problem. Even though she knows how to do this, she feels anxious that her performance will reflect on all women. What is this an example of?

O token anxiety
O outgroup homogeneity
O kernel of truth theory
O stereotype threat

Answer 1

Angela is experiencing stereotype threat, where her concern is that her performance will unintentionally confirm negative stereotypes about women's mathematical abilities.

Step-by-step explanation:

Angela's experience in advanced calculus is an example of stereotype threat. This psychological phenomenon occurs when individuals fear they may confirm negative stereotypes about their social group. In Angela's case, she worries that her individual performance will affirm stereotypes about women's abilities in math, thus, she feels pressure that goes beyond the usual stress of solving a problem on the board.

Historically, women have been underrepresented in advanced STEM fields, such as calculus, which can often make the women who are present feel as if they bear the burden of representing their entire group. This can intensify feelings of anxiety and potentially impact performance. To combat stereotype threat, awareness and inclusion efforts within academic environments are essential. By recognizing the diverse identities and abilities of all students, a more equitable learning atmosphere can be fostered, reducing the burden individual students like Angela may feel.