What I infer depends on who you are: The influence of stereotypes on trait and situational spontaneous inferences

In the present work, the moderating role of stereotypes in trait and situational spontaneous inferences is examined. Previous research has shown that stereotypes affect the likelihood of spontaneously inferring personality traits from behaviors, but whether stereotype knowledge also interferes with the likelihood of making situational inferences is something that remains unknown. In two experiments, the stereotypes associated with the actors and their corresponding behavioral descriptions allowed both trait and situational inferences. Results showed that spontaneous trait inferences were more likely to be made for stereotype-consistent behaviors than for stereotype-inconsistent behaviors, whereas spontaneous situational inferences follow the opposite pattern. Our findings support the hypothesis that spontaneous trait and situational inferences interplay with stereotype knowledge in the service of preserving the coherence of information received.

► We explore how stereotypes affect trait and situational spontaneous inferences. ► Inferences will be more likely the more they increase comprehension coherence. ► STIs were more likely for stereotype-congruent behaviors. ► SSIs were more likely for stereotype-incongruent behaviors.