Negation bias in communicating Asian American stereotypes

Abstract

Previous literature demonstrates how the use of negations can be used to communicate stereotypic expectations (e.g., the professor is not smart, instead of stupid). In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and increased discrimination against Asian Americans, we tested whether the negation bias is used to communicate stereotypes about Asian Americans. Participants were provided with stereotype-consistent, stereotype-inconsistent, and neutral scenarios about a subject portrayed as Asian American (Studies 1 and 2), or non-Asian American (Study 2). They were then asked to choose between two descriptions (Study 1) or to describe their impressions of the subject (Study 2). Across studies, participants were more likely to use negations when describing stereotype-inconsistent behavior compared to stereotype-consistent behavior of Asian Americans, supporting our predictions. Results suggest that negations play a role in communicating previously held expectations of Asian Americans and are used in stereotype maintenance.