Processing load and memory for stereotype‐based information

Abstract The present research considered the effects of stereotypes on judgmental and memorial processes. In particular, we investigated the heuristic utility of stereotype application in difficult or demanding information‐processing contexts. Our results supported the prediction that stereotypical effects on memory are contingent upon the characteristics of the task environment. Whereas perceivers displayed preferential recall for stereotype‐inconsistent information under low processing loads, this switched to a preference for consistent information as task demands increased. Likewise, target‐based judgments were most stereotypic under high processing loads. Judgment‐recall correlations supported the contention that, under high‐loads, these inferences are related to the relative memorability of stereotypic information. We consider these findings in the wider context of stereotype‐based effects on social cognition.