Rhodes et al. (2012). Cultural transmission of social essentialism Note: This is for your own use. You never need to turn in responses to this reading guide, and you are welcome to work on this study guide with other students if you like. The article quiz, though, you'll have to do on your own (open book, open notes) What is social essentialism? How does social essentialist beliefs emerge across age and cultural context?

What is specific language? Can you provide an example of generic language?

What is generic language? How does generic language promote essentialist beliefs? Can you provide an example of generic language?

What are the main questions that Rhodes addresses in this experimental work?

In Study 1, how did generic labels shape essentialist beliefs in children? In adults?

In Study 2, how did Rhodes et al. confirm that it is generic language and not plural nouns that underlie the formation of generic language over time?

In Study 3, how does parent holding essentialist beliefs impact their use of generic labels when teaching children? (HINT: Zarpies!!)

Based in these findings, if you want to reduce children's essentialist beliefs, what would you tell parents to do?