Influence of cognitive capacity on stereotyping and discrimation

Abstract

In this research we examine the effect of cognitive capacity on stereotyping and discrimination. In our laboratory experiment is conducted in Hungary with university students. During the experiment, we attempt to lower the cognitive capacity by 6-digit code rehearsal and enhance it by glucose intake. We investigate if there are changes in the extent of stereotyping and discrimination under these treatments. Moreover, we aim to look at the relationship between stereotyping and investigate if they are directly linked together or they are affected differently. We assume that discrimination is directly driven by stereotypical ideas. After several tests, our results show a significant effect on stereotyping but no effect on discrimination. We observe that participants stereotype more under cognitive load and less after glucose intake. However, regarding discrimination we found insignificant and unambiguous outcome. Regarding the link between stereotyping and discrimination, as opposed to our assumption, we found no significant effect of stereotyping on discrimination.