What conclusion can be drawn about the impact of priming stereotypes on performance?

The conclusion drawn regarding the impact of priming stereotypes on performance is that priming a negative stereotype interferes with performance. This concept is grounded in social psychology and relates to the idea of stereotype threat, where individuals who belong to a stereotyped group may feel anxiety or pressure when they are reminded of negative stereotypes associated with their group. This anxiety can lead to a decrease in performance during tasks, especially in domains where the stereotype is relevant.

Research has consistently shown that when individuals are exposed to negative stereotypes about their abilities—such as notions about intelligence or competence—this can create a challenge that diverts cognitive resources away from the task at hand, thereby lowering performance. The awareness of being judged against negative stereotypes can create stress, leading to impaired functioning in situations where individuals otherwise might have succeeded.

In contrast, the other options consider different aspects that are less supported or do not fully encapsulate the dramatic impact of stereotype priming. For instance, suggesting that priming stereotypes always negatively impacts performance ignores the complexity of contexts in which stereotypes may not have the same effect. Moreover, while positive stereotypes can sometimes enhance performance, the assertion that they do not affect performance overlooks studies that show they can either help or hinder, depending on individual beliefs and situational factors. Lastly