Influence of Approach and Avoidance on Memory
Faculty Mentor Name
John Woodman
Format Preference
Poster
Abstract
Stereotype threat is a threat that is seen as something that affects an individual’s group, which could potentially lead to a reduced ability in a cognitive task or other abilities within that area. Stereotype threat can impact working memory, in which an individual may spend time trying to reduce the impact of stereotype threat rather than use their cognitive resources to work on a problem. There is an opportunity for a persistent lack of ability within a person’s cognition to evolve based on the issue of individuals perceiving a group they are affiliated with to be attached to stereotype threat. Due to stereotypes surrounding the older population, there are opportunities for the elder population to self-stereotype and cause a hinderance on their cognition among other health-related aspects. We propose that utilizing the an online visual simulation using the VAAST (Visual Approach/ Avoidance by the Self Task), will allow for the mitigation of stereotype threat among older adults. During the Spring term we will use an experimental design to observe the influence of stereotype threat on an older population, while applying the VAAST as an intervention. A primer will be used where the individual will be exposed to a simple prompt that has no information that related to manipulation. This will provide results as to whether or not the VAAST can be used as an intervention to mitigate stereotype threat on older adults’ cognition. Research participants over the age of 60 will be recruited using an online platform. The use of the VAAST can provide information towards a potential intervention in mitigating stereotype threat, so that this information can be used to improve confidence in older adults’ cognitive abilities. The outcomes of this project will ultimately will allow for an intervention that could support more successful living for older adults. The outcomes will also provide opportunities to further examine the attributes that affect stereotype threat in older adults, and examine any observations of lack of confidence.
Influence of Approach and Avoidance on Memory
Stereotype threat is a threat that is seen as something that affects an individual’s group, which could potentially lead to a reduced ability in a cognitive task or other abilities within that area. Stereotype threat can impact working memory, in which an individual may spend time trying to reduce the impact of stereotype threat rather than use their cognitive resources to work on a problem. There is an opportunity for a persistent lack of ability within a person’s cognition to evolve based on the issue of individuals perceiving a group they are affiliated with to be attached to stereotype threat. Due to stereotypes surrounding the older population, there are opportunities for the elder population to self-stereotype and cause a hinderance on their cognition among other health-related aspects. We propose that utilizing the an online visual simulation using the VAAST (Visual Approach/ Avoidance by the Self Task), will allow for the mitigation of stereotype threat among older adults. During the Spring term we will use an experimental design to observe the influence of stereotype threat on an older population, while applying the VAAST as an intervention. A primer will be used where the individual will be exposed to a simple prompt that has no information that related to manipulation. This will provide results as to whether or not the VAAST can be used as an intervention to mitigate stereotype threat on older adults’ cognition. Research participants over the age of 60 will be recruited using an online platform. The use of the VAAST can provide information towards a potential intervention in mitigating stereotype threat, so that this information can be used to improve confidence in older adults’ cognitive abilities. The outcomes of this project will ultimately will allow for an intervention that could support more successful living for older adults. The outcomes will also provide opportunities to further examine the attributes that affect stereotype threat in older adults, and examine any observations of lack of confidence.