University of Connecticut

What are people really like?

Previous studies on stereotypes have concentrated mostly on racial or ethnic groups. Our study seeks to extend that type of research to the less-studied group of Greek organizations. Following the pattern of surveys of racial or ethnic groups that seek to discover both stereotype and actual traits, we seek to discover whether undergraduates hold stereotypes about Greek members and whether those stereotypes are merited. Because Greek membership is a social choice and not one defined by personal appearance or genetic background, the predicted patterns that cause a disparity between true traits and stereotypes may function differently.