Stereotypical Questions: How Stereotypes About Conversation Partners Are Reflected in Question Formulations

In conversations, activated stereotypes about conversation partners can influence communicative behaviors. We investigate whether and how stereotypes about categorized conversation partners shape topic choice and the types of questions asked. In three experiments, participants imagined having a conversation. Gender or age stereotypes of the conversation partner were manipulated by means of a picture. Results show a higher likelihood of addressing conversation and question topics consistent with stereotypic expectancies about conversation partners. Moreover, stereotypes were reflected in subtle variations in question formulations. When questions address stereotype-consistent topics, they are likelier formulated with high-frequency adverbs and positive valence, while questions addressing stereotype-inconsistent topics more likely contain low-frequency adverbs and negative valence. In addition, Experiment 4 suggests that recipients are sensitive to detect that questions reflect stereotypes about themselves, which can influence the evaluation of the conversation and partner. We discuss the consequences of biased question asking for interpersonal conversation and stereotype maintenance.

Automated summary

Stereotypes about conversation partners can influence communicative behaviors, including topic choice and question formulation. Participants in the experiments were more likely to address stereotypic topics and formulate questions consistent with stereotypes about their conversation partners. The use of high-frequency adverbs and positive valence was associated with stereotype-consistent topics, while low-frequency adverbs and negative valence were associated with stereotype-inconsistent topics. Recipients were also sensitive to detect that questions reflected stereotypes about themselves, which could affect their evaluation of the conversation and partner.