| Stereotype threat is a situational experience where an individual feels the threat of conforming to a negative stereotype about a group in which they belong. A majority of the research on stereotype threat has been conducted in a laboratory setting through quasi-experimental, quantitative means in order to identify stereotype threat activation and its potential meditational, or causal, effects. The constructs of priming, awareness, and effect on performance outcome have been examined in previous studies as essential factors to identifying stereotype threat. Potential mediator effects have been studied as well but have been unsubstantiated to date.; The purpose of this study was to employ the use of qualitative analysis in order to determine whether stereotype threat can be identified using retrospective analysis rather than the dichotomous use of performance outcomes, as well as identify factors that explain potential mediator effects. The Mathematics Stereotype Threat Experience Survey (MSTES) was administered to 235 female and male mathematics students in order to examine the existing stereotype of gender and mathematics. Eighteen female participants were identified according to pattern response on the survey and administered semi-structured interviews over several sessions. A phenomenological qualitative research design was employed in order to examine overarching trends in previously established constructs and within pattern responses. Six themes, including achievement experience, implicit theories of intelligence, investment in the stereotype, motivation, emotion/affect, and social comparison were found and examined across constructs and with pattern responses.; Grounded Theory was also employed during the interview process to construct a hypothesis about the causal mediation of stereotype threat. Grounded Theory revealed the causal relations and interrelations between frustration, anxiety/nervousness, and outcomes on emotion. It was determined that in an applied setting, stereotype threat may be a complex, multi-factorial concept that occurs when several factors coincide within a specific targeted content area. The cause of stereotype threat was suggested to be the result of several interrelated variables that include both affective factors. Recommendations for further study using the present findings were discussed. |
