Abstract

In this paper, some recent experimental researches which explored the factors or processes underlying the change of stereotypic belief from a cognitive perspective were reviewed. There was only one research(Weber & Crocker, 1983) which directly investigated the cognitive processes underlying the revision of stereotypic beliefs. As a result of this review, it was found that subjects' self-presentational concerns could solicit the equal opportunity strategy for gathering-evidence in stereotype-testing activities. Individuation of group members could reduce the influence of stereotype on our impression and judgment about individual group members. And Weber & Crocker(1983) explored the possibility that Bookkeeping model(e.g., Rothbart, 1981) and Subtyping model (e.g., Taylor, 1981) were to be applicable to the understanding of cognitive processes underlying the revision of stereotypic beliefs. It was suggested that sequences in the, processes of change of stereotypic beliefs be further explored. Such a sequence as "disconfirmatory evidences (or other relevant factors)-change in the perception of outgroup-homogeneity-change of stereotypic beliefs" was proposed as one of probable sequences.