Native Americans affected by stereotype threat: Resilience vs. Persuasion

Abstract

Stereotype-threat theory states that minority students underperform because of the pressure created by negative stereotypes about their racial groups. This qualitive case study will explore how first-year, Native American undergraduate students perceive the possibility of or experience with stereotype threat as shaping their experiences in the light of their Elder’s stories of resilience and coping with adversities. Four Native American undergraduate students (3 first-year students, 1 junior) were recruited to participate in a series of three, 1.5-hour long focus group sessions where they first watch videotapes interviews with Native American Elders and successful MSUB graduate students, who shared stories of their journey thought life, reflecting on their resilience. The first-year students were asked to discuss their feelings towards the videos in the light of their own campus experience that have affected their resilience on MSUB campus. Participants were also asked to describe their personal values and stories of overcoming adversity. The data will be transcribed, analyzed, and coded for theme development. The themes coinciding with each research question will hopefully highlight the complex interactions between the impact of stereotype threats on their academic performance versus the resilience gained through inspirational stories if their Elder and other successful Native American students. The results will further help broaden our knowledge about coping skills used by Native American students, and how they are able to stay resilient in mainstream society.