The Power of Stereotypes: A Labeling Exercise

Abstract

The labeling exercise is a classroom activity that enables students to explore stereotyping processes relevant to the perceiver and the target of stereotypes. Students are assigned stereotypical trait descriptors and, within the context of a specific task, are asked to treat each other according to those descriptors. This exercise provides an engaging introduction to the topic of social perception and encourages discussion of approaches to prejudice reduction. This exercise is appropriate for courses exploring issues of stigma or intergroup relations, including introductory psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, educational psychology, and psychology of gender. Evaluation data indicate consistently favorable ratings of this exercise.