1. Mediation & Conflict Resolution
Stereotypes: Age
Mediation & Conflict Resolution

2. Age Stereotypes
A number of age stereotypes are related to a person’s level of communication
Perceived vocal age
Off-topic verbosity (narratives which drift away from starting point)
Appearance
Age-related stereotypes may be positive or negative
Positive: Active adults, Well-informed or experienced
Negative: Decreased cognition (ex: forgetful), closed-minded, depressed or lonely
A Person’s perception of age stereotypes influences their method of communication
Positive: affirming messages, longer messages, more complex and personalized
Negative: overtly nurturing, shorter messages, simple messages

3. Communication Predicament of Aging (CPA) Model
Developed by Ryan, Meredith, MacClean& Orange (1995)
Proposes that:
characteristics of an older person can act as cues that trigger age stereotypes
patronizing speech is often produced in response to these stereotypes

4. Communication Predicament in Aging Model (Ryan, Meredith, MacClean& Orange (1995)

5. What Causes Age Stereotypes?
Explicit Stereotypes: intentional, conscious thoughts and beliefs directed towards a group of people, based on perception.
Implicit Stereotypes: unconscious attribution of qualities onto a member of a certain social group. Influenced by experience and learned associations.
According to the (CPA) Model:
Age stereotypes are cyclical: bias reduces opportunities for meaningful conversation, leading to more stereotypes
Repeated exposure to patronizing speech can result in avoidance of future interactions

6. Why study age stereotypes and the Communication Predicament of Aging Model?
An understanding of the specific predictions of this model is critical to improving communicative interactions with older adults
Any other reasons?

7. The Implicit Association Test (IAT)
How the IAT works: subject uses computer keyboard to group “good” and “bad” words with images, as differences in response times are measured
What does it measure? Implicit (unconscious) prejudice
What is the importance of the IAT? The test creates an awareness of our stereotypes. These stereotypes can affect our decisions and behaviors without our even knowing it, undermining our conscious ideas and best intentions about equality and justice.

8. Discussion: IAT Age Test Results
What were your results?
Preference for Young, Preference for Old, Little to No Preference
To what degree?
Slight, moderate, strong, little to no preference
Do you think this accurately describes you?
Did you find anything about this activity interesting or surprising?
What have you learned from the Age IAT?
Did anyone take this test multiple times, or take one of the other IAT tests?

10. For next class: Monday 2/6
Topic: Small Group Communication
Don’t forget about your journal entries, due Sunday by midnight