Stereotype threat refers to the phenomenon members of a negatively stereotyped fear confirming these negative stereotypes associated with their group. In a situation related to the stereotype of one’s group, their fear of being judged stereotypically, or confirming a negative stereotype may hinder their performance by increasing their anxiety or providing a distraction from the task at hand by focusing on their fears instead. Additionally, group members may attempt to protect themselves by devaluing the desired outcomes i.e. African American students deidentifying with academic achievement in school, which can lower motivation and, ultimately, outcomes. It is not necessary that the subject should believe the negative stereotype to face stereotype
