Final answer:
The representative heuristic is responsible for easily leading to stereotypes by making generalizations based on perceived typical characteristics of a group, which are then reinforced through confirmation bias. Other biases like the availability and hindsight bias also contribute to the maintenance of stereotypical thinking.
Step-by-step explanation:
The heuristic that can easily lead to stereotypes is the representative heuristic. This cognitive shortcut involves categorizing someone or something based on how similar they are to the typical case within a certain category. When individuals utilize this heuristic, they are more likely to make broad generalizations that ignore individual differences and result in overgeneralized beliefs about entire groups. These stereotypes often persist due to confirmation bias, where people interpret information in a way that confirms their preconceptions, hence reinforcing the stereotype. For instance, the belief that older adults are bad drivers is a stereotype crystallized by the representative heuristic, which neglects instances where older adults drive safely and focuses on the few cases that seem to confirm the stereotype.
Additional cognitive biases such as availability bias and hindsight bias also contribute to forming stereotypes. Availability bias makes certain cases stand out more in one's memory, especially if they are dramatic or frequently discussed, which then influences judgment about a whole group. Hindsight bias can lead people to falsely remember past events in a way that reinforces their current stereotypes.
Combating these cognitive biases requires critical reflection and awareness of the complexity and diversity within groups, in order to avoid unfair treatments and judgments based solely on group membership.