An exploratory study of the complexity and consensus dimensions of stereotypes among Qatari and Bahraini University students

Abstract

The complexity and consensus dimensions of stereotypes held by 132 male and female university students from Qatar and Bahrain towards themselves and 11 other nationality groups were studied by using a modified Katz and Braly paradigm. The stereotypes held by mliln were in general less complex than those held by women. Highest consensus appeared for women and the lowest between men. Results are explained in terms of the cultural context and in the case of the men in terms of sectarian differences. In general no significant differences were observed in the strength or frequency of the agreed upon attributions whir.h any two sub-groups made towards a target group.