[DC] The Proteus Effect in Virtual Reality: Examining Stereotype Threat through Gender Cues

The Proteus Effect and stereotype threat represent two critical phenomena within virtual reality (VR) and social psychology research. The Proteus Effect suggests that embodying virtual avatars can alter self-perception and behavior, while stereotype threat, arising from awareness of negative stereotypes, can impair performance. This project investigates the interplay between these phenomena. Using VR environments, we aim to elicit stereotype threat and assess its impact on cognitive performance and physiological responses. By measuring electrodermal activity (EDA) and heart rate (HR) during working memory tasks, this research seeks to provide objective insights into the psychological and physiological mechanisms of stereotype threat in immersive settings.