ABSTRACT
Negative stereotypes about social groups (defined by race, gender, religion, occupation, or other characteristics) frequently go hand in hand with prejudiced feelings and overt discrimination against members of those groups, ranging from mild social sanctions up through pogroms, campaigns of "ethnic cleansing", and genocide. The interlinked issues of stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination thus constitute major social problems, and social scientists have been active in searching for remedies. A natural assumption embodied in many suggested remedies is that negative stereotypes will weaken and change when people encounter positive (or, more generally, stereotype-inconsistent) information about members of the stereotyped group. If firsthand experience or reliable reports indicate that group stereotypes are incorrect or at least are not universally applicable, it makes sense that the stereotypes should be weakened or ultimately even set aside.
