Alice is taking a very difficult math test. She knows that many people, perhaps including her professor, believe that men are better at math than women. According to the research on stereotype threat, Alice's beliefs

A) will not affect her performance on the test.
B) will cause her to do better on the test, just to prove her professor wrong.
C) may contribute to her performing below her true ability on the test.
D) are not relevant, as stereotype threat focuses only on racial differences.

According to the research on stereotype threat, if Alice believes that men are better at math than women, this may contribute to her performing below her true ability on the test. Stereotype threat refers to the psychological pressure that occurs when people believe they may be judged or treated unfairly because of a stereotype about their group. It can lead to anxiety, decreased confidence, and reduced performance on tasks that are related to the stereotype. Therefore, Alice's beliefs may negatively affect her performance on the math test.