Which of the following best describes how the authoritarian personality theory and stereotype threat can interact to influence racial prejudice in individuals?

The authoritarian personality theory suggests that some people have a personality type that makes them more likely to hold prejudiced views, especially towards groups they see as different. This can lead to a strong desire for conformity and obedience, making them more susceptible to negative stereotypes about other races. On the other hand, stereotype threat occurs when individuals feel at risk of confirming negative stereotypes about their own racial group, which can affect their performance and behavior. When someone with an authoritarian personality encounters a person from a different race, they might react with prejudice, believing they are defending their own group’s superiority. For example, if a student from a minority group feels pressure due to stereotype threat during a test, their anxiety could reinforce the prejudiced beliefs of someone with an authoritarian personality, creating a cycle of bias and misunderstanding.