Stereotype graph: A mathematical framework of category stereotypes via graph theory

Abstract

In social psychology and cognitive science, there has been much interest in studying category stereotypes. However, we still lack a consensual mathematical definition or framework, which is necessary for us to hold a deeper understanding of stereotypes in human cognition. In this paper, we use graph theory to portray category stereotypes in human cognition, based on pairs of labels having special relations. By using methods and conclusions in graph theory (including algebraic graph theory and vertex coloring) as well as strict ratiocination, we give criteria for judging the stability of a given stereotype, some of which are computationally practicable. We also define the chromatic stability index (CSI) to measure the stability of a stereotype in human cognition, as well as to provide its precise range. From the perspective of stereotype graphs and CSI, we may explain why stereotypes can easily stay in human cognition.