The Perceived Stereotype Threat Experiences of African American College Students

• In Event: Finding and Supporting Each Other: Black Students' Collegiate Experiences

Abstract

This study explored perceived stereotype threat experiences of African American college students, sought to understand whether African American students faced these same challenges while studying in STEM degree programs at HBCUs. This study adopted a mixed-methods approach. Results suggest: a) students with high self-efficacy are less likely to experience stereotype threat; b) there is no difference in the perceptions of stereotype threat experienced by African American students regardless of whether they attend an HBCU or PWI; c) perceived stereotype threat is mediated by self-efficacy, racial identity and sense of belonging; and d) there is no difference in the experiences with microaggressions for African American undergraduate students pursuing degrees in STEM regardless of whether they attend an HBCU or a PWI.

Authors

• Stacey McDonald Lowe, U.S. Department of Education

• Kyndra Violetta Middleton, Howard University