In psychology, stereotypes are defined as descriptive or evaluative characteristics associated with social categories (e.g., “doctors are smart”). Metastereotypes are beliefs that a person holds about how their group is stereotyped by others. Despite growing knowledge of how Artificial Intelligence Large Language Models (LLMs) reproduce stereotypes, little is known about how members of various racial groups anticipate being stereotyped by LLMs, whether those beliefs are accurate, and how they shape engagement with AI systems.

Messaging that emphasizes rising immigration or minority birth rates can make diversity appear to be a looming loss, can activate status threat, prejudice, and increase support for restrictive immigration policies. However, most Americans misjudge the nation’s racial composition, raising the possibility that messaging that portrays diversity as the status quo can function as an anti-prejudice tool. Psychologist Jennifer Gutsell will examine whether presenting diversity as already high and the current status quo, as opposed to a future shift, can reduce prejudice.

This grant is co-funded by the Spencer and Hewlett Foundations.

The Trump administration has proposed terminating most Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and humanitarian parole programs, which allow individuals from select countries to enter the U.S. with permission, apply for asylum, and obtain work permits. In June 2026, it ended TPS protections for Haitians and Syrians. Sociologist Ernesto Castañeda, anthropologist Lauren Carruth, and applied developmental and educational psychologist Maria De Jesus will examine how these changes to immigration policy affect the social and economic integration of new arrivals in New York City and the D.C.

Immigration policy has long been central to American society, structuring who is permitted entry, participation, and civil liberties. Beyond these practical implications, immigration policies reflect and reinforce public attitudes and beliefs toward immigrant groups. Psychologist Xuechunzi Bai will conduct a historical examination of how immigration policies have shaped public perceptions of immigrants. She will analyze archival materials from the Library of Congress and the National Archives and records from the Department of Homeland Security for her study.

Racial discrimination remains pervasive in American society. Some social science theories have suggested two broad characteristics of racism: exploitation and exclusion. Social psychologist Linda Zou will examine whether exposure to examples of racial exploitation and exclusion reinforces stereotypes against minority groups and undermines support for policies that would address racial inequalities. She will conduct survey experiments for her study.

Rural populations face escalating and compounding threats from climate change as communities see an increase in wildfires, extreme heat, flooding, and other climate-induced natural hazards. These communities already grapple with unique social, economic, and political challenges characteristic of rural places and are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate hazards. Decision science scholar Gabrielle Wong-Parodi will examine the impact of climate hazards on rural households’ wellbeing in the Eastern Sierra Nevada region of California.

The dominant narrative of race relations and racial history in the U.S. highlights the steady progress of Black Americans, while minimizing or overlooking persistent racial injustices. Belief in this progressive narrative has been associated with lower support for social change. The Black Lives Matter movement and racial justice organizations have advocated for a different narrative of racial struggle for civil rights, which deviates from the dominate narrative and highlights resistance and resilience in the face of ongoing oppression.

This grant is funded in part by the Spencer Foundation.
One potential reason for opposition to race-conscious policies is differing ideas of what diversity entails. While conservatives often define diversity as viewpoint-based (e.g., political attitudes), liberals typically emphasize demographic diversity (e.g. race). Psychologist Teri Kirby and political scientist Mary Scudder will examine whether different conceptions of diversity are related to differences in support for race-conscious policies. They will conduct archival analysis and survey experiments for their study.

Persuasion is notoriously difficult. Decades of research has shown that exclusionary attitudes—prejudice against out groups and opposition to policies that would promote their wellbeing—are difficult to change. Many scholars have argued that building rapport can overcome resistance to changing beliefs. However, recent experimental evidence has cast doubt on that claim.