Question

Which of the following is the tendency to assign an individual to a group or broad category and then to attribute widely held generalizations about the group to the individual?

a.
Perceptual defense
b.
Stereotyping
c.
The halo effect
d.
Figure-ground
e.
Projection

Answer 1

The tendency to assign broad group generalizations to individuals is called stereotyping, a form of cognitive bias that can lead to prejudices and discrimination. Confirmation bias reinforces these stereotypes by favoring information that aligns with pre-existing beliefs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The tendency to assign an individual to a group or broad category and then to attribute widely held generalizations about the group to the individual is known as stereotyping. This psychological phenomenon can result in overgeneralized and often inaccurate beliefs about individuals based on the perceived characteristics of the group they belong to. One of the well-known examples of a stereotype is the belief that older adults are slow and incompetent, which is an overgeneralization and does not account for the varied abilities of individuals within that age group.

Confirmation bias is a related concept where people tend to seek out information that supports their existing beliefs or stereotypes, often overlooking evidence to the contrary. This process further reinforces the stereotype, making it even more difficult to overcome. Societally, stereotypes can lead to prejudices and discriminatory practices affecting individuals' opportunities and interactions with others.