Social Stereotypes as a Variable in Egocentrism

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the nature of stereotypes in early adolescents. Subjects from grades seven and eight were administered the Stereotypic Image Scale, patterned after Elkind and Bowen's Imaginary Audience Scale, to determine the extent to which they projected imaginary audience behavior on to social stereotypes, such as musical stars, sports figures, and television/motion picture personalities. Results indicate that early adolescents' with high social stereotypes also scored high on the imaginary audience questionnaire although they scored lower on self-esteem. Sex differences were found but there were no age or grade differences. Further, there was no relationship between the amount of television watched and social consciousness.