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Stanford SPARQ is a Psychology Department "do tank" whose mission is to create and share social psychological insights with people working to improve society. Donate » / Subscribe »

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SOLUTIONS CATALOG

Lessen Prejudice With Teamwork

Three people talking

Problem

People from different social groups tend to fear and mistrust one another.

Solution

Teaming up as equals and collaborating towards a common goal reduces prejudice between people with different backgrounds.

Reface the Space to Keep Women in Tech

woman selecting veneers

Problem

Stereotypically "geeky" spaces discourage women from pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math.

Solution

A few changes in room decorations can help women feel like they belong in STEM.
Economic Development
Education

Raise Grades by Mapping Your Future Self

Problem

Low-income students and students of color often earn worse grades than do wealthier and White students.

Solution

Plotting a path from who you are now to who you want to be in the future helps students identify with school and earn better grades.

Economic Development
Education

To Reduce Political Tensions, Focus on Facts

couple holding hands

Problem

Negative emotions feed intolerance, which can harm relations between groups.

Solution

Taking a detached perspective dampens bad feelings and increases tolerance for the other side.

Conflict Resolution
Relationships

This Quick Writing Task Lifts Women's Science Grades

Women taking notes in a classroom

Problem

The stereotype that women are bad at science leads many of them to underperform in their courses.

Solution

A short writing task about treasured personal values deflects harmful stereotypes and helps women reach their full potential.

Education
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