Final answer:
The stereotype threat interferes with performance due to increased apprehension and arousal, lowered performance expectations, and the potential development of self-fulfilling prophecies, which are collectively captured under 'all of the above'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stereotype threat interferes with performance because all of the above: apprehension and arousal increase, which interferes with performance; it reduces the positive expectations one might have about his or her performance; and a self-fulfilling prophecy may develop based on negative expectations about performance. A stereotype threat affects individuals in various ways, such as the anxiety associated with the potential to confirm a negative stereotype, which can impair cognitive function and overall performance.
Research has shown that when individuals are aware of a negative stereotype about their group, it can create a pressure that actually leads to poorer performance, thus reinforcing the stereotype. This process can involve elements such as heightened stress levels, reduced self-efficacy, and a propensity to give up more easily when faced with challenges. It is essential to understand that the stress from stereotype threats can affect performance not due to a lack of skill or knowledge, but because of the cognitive burden imposed by the threat.