Can Media Help Women Be Better at Math? Stereotype Threat, Selective Exposure, Media Effects & Math Performance

• In Event: Media Psychology and the Study of Gender-Related Issues

Abstract

This study examined women’s media selections when under the gender-math stereotype threat and the subsequent media effects on their mathematics performance. The results provided support for the selection pattern predicted by the SESAM model in favor of mood management theory, and support for the effect pattern predicted by the upward comparison threat in favor of the SESAM model. Women were more likely to select career magazines featuring successful female role models when threatened by the gender-math stereotype; however, this selective exposure decreased instead of improved their math performance. The theoretical and practical implications of this finding, as well as the potential for media use to be employed as a naturalistic and effective method to reduce stereotype threat were discussed.

Authors

• Kate Luong, Ohio State University

• Silvia Knobloch-Westerwick, Ohio State U