Final answer:
Gender stereotypes are pervasive and persistent, often portraying oversimplified generalizations about the behaviors and roles expected of men and women. Confirmation bias plays a key role in reinforcing these stereotypes by influencing the interpretation and recall of information.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stereotypes are pervasive, persistent, frequently negative, and often self-contradictory oversimplified generalizations about groups of people. They can be based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, age, gender, and sexual orientation. Among the options provided, gender stereotypes are particularly pervasive as they encompass widespread beliefs about roles, traits, and behaviors deemed appropriate for men and women. An example of a gender stereotype is the belief that women tend to be overly emotional, while men are typically seen as levelheaded.
Confirmation bias is a psychological phenomenon that further entrenches stereotypes. It refers to the tendency to seek out, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms one's preconceptions, hence supporting existing stereotypes and making them difficult to overcome.