Stereotypes of Chinese international students held by Americans

This study examined stereotypes of Chinese international students held by Americans in two parts. To begin, 100 American students from a large Midwestern university listed traits describing a typical Chinese student, generating 31 frequent descriptors. Next, 146 American participants reported the percentage of Chinese students they believed to possess each of the 31 traits and the favorability of those traits. Exploratory factor analysis revealed five primary stereotypes of Chinese students. Some reflect previous literature concerning stereotypes of Asians generally (e.g., smart/hardworking, shy/not social, and bad English/not assimilated), whereas others are more unique (e.g., nice/friendly and oblivious/annoying). Stereotypes ranged from highly favorable (i.e., nice/friendly and smart/hardworking) to highly unfavorable (i.e., oblivious/annoying). Results are discussed with respect to prior literature on stereotypes of Asians and Asian Americans and implications for communication between American and Chinese students.

► Americans report five primary stereotypes of Chinese international students. ► Stereotypes range from positive (friendly/nice) to negative (oblivious/annoying). ► Stereotypes are mostly consistent with stereotype of Asian Americans as a whole. ► Stereotypes unique to Chinese emerge (e.g., nice/friendly and oblivious/annoying).