Abstract:
Past research has suggested that perceivers construct a schema of a target person in
order to accurately infer that person's thoughts and feelings (Myers & Hodges, 2009).
The current study was designed to test whether one result of having such schemas is
greater accuracy in inferring thoughts and feelings that are stereotypic of a salient target
group. Participants (145 undergraduates) inferred the thoughts and feelings of a woman
discussing her experiences as a new mother. We hypothesized that perceivers would
have greater empathic accuracy for thoughts and feelings that were more stereotypical
of the salient target group (e.g., new mothers). Results supported our hypothesis: even
when controlling for inferential difficulty, thoughts that were more stereotypical were
easier to infer. This effect was moderated by participants' emotional stability, as
measured by a Big Five personality inventory. Additional effects of participant
variables are also discussed, along with directions for future research.