Effects of information on stereotype development in performance appraisal and interview contexts

Investigated the development of stereotypes via information processing by presenting 120 male and 120 female undergraduates with information about 2 groups of hypothetical company employees. The percentage of favorable to unfavorable information and the amount of information were varied prior to ratings of the groups and individual members of the groups. The hypothesis that the distinctiveness in amount and favorability of information would result in differential stereotypes about the 2 groups was not confirmed. The hypothesis that ratings of individual members of the groups would differ from group perceptions was supported. Sex differences, contrast effects, and factors affecting a rater's overall impression were also found. Implications for personnel practices are discussed. (29 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).