Psychology Study to Examine Stereotypes

Harvard students are the subject of a psychology study which will analyze how people identify with stereotypes.

"I am interested in studying how being in a certain group gets people to pay attention to those like themselves and how important the characteristics of a group are in developing their identities," said Associate Professor of Psychology Deborrah E.S. Frable, the author of the study.

Frable has sent 2358 questionnaires to students living in Cabot, Currier, Dunster, Eliot, Kirkland and Quincy Houses.

The questionnaires ask students to answer "yes" or "no" to 200 statements ranging from "I know how to successfully rip off a vending machine" to "I am an incest survivor." Other statements refer to habits, accomplishments, physical characteristics, parental income, sexual preference and race.

The questionnaire is being used to select students for her laboratory study.