Video Games and Stereotype-to-Behavior Effects: Playing or Watching as a Black Avatar Decreases Intellectual Performance

• In Event: The Messy Intersection of Games and Governance, Both Within and Surrounding Games (High-Density)

Abstract

Stereotype-to-behavior research shows that activating a stereotype can lead to behavior consistent with that stereotype. Our research tested the effects of playing or watching a video game as a Black avatar on subsequent intellectual performance. In Experiment 1, White participants (N=215) who played or watched a video game as a Black avatar showed greater activation of racial schema, more negative implicit racial attitudes, and significantly reduced performance on a difficult math test. Experiment 2 replicated the stereotype-to-behavior effect, and showed that it occurred whether gameplay was in a stereotypical (inner city) or a nonstereotypical (rural) setting, again suggesting automatic stereotype activation. This research is the first to show how media can trigger powerful racial stereotype-to-behavior effects. Simply playing (or even watching) a video game as a Black avatar can decrease math performance, regardless of the other features of the game.

Authors

• Ian Hawkins, U of Michigan

• Bryan Gibson, Central Michigan U

• Adam Lueke, Central Michigan U

• Brad J Bushman, Ohio State U