Effects of mortality salience on stereotype usage in judgments

Previous research in Terror Management Theory has shown that when mortality is made salient, participants are more likely to favor stereotype consistent individuals relative to stereotype inconsistent individuals (Schimel, et al., 1999). This study sought to expand upon these prior findings by examining the extent to which a person fit a certain stereotype would relate to their subsequent liking scores of that individual. Participants first rated several occupations, then either had their mortality or experience watching television made salient, and finally they made judgments about stereotype fit and liking for another person. Results from the study were unclear, though a different research design might elucidate the effects further.