The Impact of Stereotype Threat on the Academic Performance of International Students Studying in the United States

Stereotype threat can be experienced by anyone who belongs to a group whose status is made relevant by situational features. This study examined the impact of stereotype threat on international students studying in the United States. It was hypothesized that international students reminded that they will underperform on an outcome measure will do just that as compared to international students not so reminded. Thirty-six international students from a small northwest private university participated in the study. Participants were divided into control and experiment groups. Results indicated no significant differences in performance between the two groups. The results of this study are discussed within the framework of stereotype threat and suggest further studies regarding international students and this phenomenon