Stereotype Threat Effect on a Simple Motor Task: An Investigation of the Visuo-Spatial Working Memory

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Based on the Chalabaev et al. (2013) study showing that in a Stereotype Threat (ST) situation the velocity of force production in a simple motor task can be affected, this study aimed to replicate this result and tested the role of Visuo-Spatial Working Memory (VSWM) in the ST effect. Method: Twenty one female athletes performed maximum voluntary contractions of the knee extensor muscles on an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex), under neutral, ST, and ST with mental imagery conditions. The Rate Force of Development (RFD), a velocity indicator, was measured under each condition. VSWM and avoidance-related processes were measured in at a separate time. Results: Data confirmed that the RFD decreased when the stereotype threat was introduced, but also that mental imagery of the movement in the pre-contraction stage prevented this effect. Moreover, in the ST condition avoidance-related processes did not affect the RFD. In contrast, higher VSWM performance was associated with higher RFD. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the ST effects on a simple motor task can be explained by an alteration of working memory which impairs movement preparatory processes in the pre-contraction stage.

KEY WORDS:

• Mental imagery
• motor performance
• Stereotype Threat (ST)
• Working Memory (WM)

Note

ATQ items specific adaptation (in italic):

By nature, I am a very nervous person.

I was nervous during the experienceIt doesn’t take much to make me worry.

I was a little worried during the experienceI feel anxiety and fear very deeply.

I felt anxiety during the experienceI react very strongly to bad experiences.

I was scared during the experience

When it looks like something bad could happen, I have a strong urge to escape.

I wanted to escape during the experienceIt is easy for me to imagine bad things that might happen to me.

I was afraid of failing during the experience