Final answer:
Stereotypes can be described using the tri-component model of attitudes, which includes cognitive, affective, and behavioural components. This model helps explain how a person's belief, emotions, and subsequent actions towards a group are affected by stereotypes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tri-component model of attitudes provides a framework for understanding stereotypes by categorizing them into three components: cognitive, affective, and behavioral. The cognitive component refers to the beliefs and knowledge one has about a group, for example, the stereotype that older people are incompetent drivers. These beliefs often become overgeneralized and are mistakenly applied to all members of a group.
The affective component involves the feelings inspired by a group, which could range from fear or dislike to admiration, based on stereotypes. For example, someone might feel threatened by young adults if they hold the stereotype that young people are reckless.
Last, the behavioral component is how one might act based on the affective and cognitive components. Examples include avoiding certain groups of people or treating them preferentially based on the stereotypes one believes in.
Understanding these components can help address and potentially reduce the impact of stereotypes by providing insight into how they form and how they can be challenged.