CMN 102 UIUC - RACE AND THE
MEDIA EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026
Social Categorization theory - ANSWERSsimilarities and differences among people
form the basis for sorting self and others into similar in-group members and dissimilar
out-groups
stereotype - ANSWERScognitive structures in which a group is associated with
particular characteristics; can be positive or negative
Prejudice - ANSWERSendorsement of a stereotype; attitude or belief
Functions of prejudice - ANSWERSknowledge, instrumental, value-expressive, ego-
defensive
Discrimination - ANSWERSbehavioral outcome related to prejudice; both at individual
and institutional level
Role of media - ANSWERSOften presents a skewed view of reality; this can lead to
creation or reinforcement of stereotypes/prejudices
Clark's Four Stages of Minority Portrayals - ANSWERS1. Nonrecognition
2. Ridicule
3. Regulation
4. Respect
Non-recognition - ANSWERSthe social group is rarely portrayed in the media
(transgender)
Ridicule - ANSWERSportrayals highlight differences and stereotypes (Gloria from
Modern Family)
Regulation - ANSWERSindividuals from social group are put in roles that uphold social
norms (African Americans as police in movies)
respect - ANSWERSfull implementation and diversity of portrayals (white men)
Dixon (2015) - ANSWERSRepeated study with victimization
findings: whites overrepresented as officers and victims; blacks represented accurately;
latinos underrepresented as officers and victims
MEDIA EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026
Social Categorization theory - ANSWERSsimilarities and differences among people
form the basis for sorting self and others into similar in-group members and dissimilar
out-groups
stereotype - ANSWERScognitive structures in which a group is associated with
particular characteristics; can be positive or negative
Prejudice - ANSWERSendorsement of a stereotype; attitude or belief
Functions of prejudice - ANSWERSknowledge, instrumental, value-expressive, ego-
defensive
Discrimination - ANSWERSbehavioral outcome related to prejudice; both at individual
and institutional level
Role of media - ANSWERSOften presents a skewed view of reality; this can lead to
creation or reinforcement of stereotypes/prejudices
Clark's Four Stages of Minority Portrayals - ANSWERS1. Nonrecognition
2. Ridicule
3. Regulation
4. Respect
Non-recognition - ANSWERSthe social group is rarely portrayed in the media
(transgender)
Ridicule - ANSWERSportrayals highlight differences and stereotypes (Gloria from
Modern Family)
Regulation - ANSWERSindividuals from social group are put in roles that uphold social
norms (African Americans as police in movies)
respect - ANSWERSfull implementation and diversity of portrayals (white men)
Dixon (2015) - ANSWERSRepeated study with victimization
findings: whites overrepresented as officers and victims; blacks represented accurately;
latinos underrepresented as officers and victims
