title: Choking under the pressure of a positive stereotype: gender identification and self-consciousness moderate men's math test performance.
abstract: Choking under pressure occurs when an individual underperforms due to situational pressure. The present study examined whether being the target of a positive social stereotype regarding math ability causes choking among men. Gender identification and self-consciousness were hypothesized to moderate the effect of math-gender stereotypes on men's math test performance. Men high in self-consciousness but low in gender identification significantly underperformed when exposed to gender-relevant test instructions. No significant effects were found under a gender-irrelevant condition. These findings are discussed in the contexts of research on stereotype threat, stereotype lift, and choking under pressure.
authors: Ball State University, Department of Psychological Science, Muncie, IN 47306, USA. mjtagler@bsu.edu
authors: Michael J
authors: MJ
authors: Tagler
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D000293:Adolescent; D001076:Aptitude; D003657:Decision Making; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008433:Mathematics; D011340:Problem Solving; D012649:Self Concept; D013240:Stereotyping; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications*; D014477:Underachievement; D055815:Young Adult