Final answer:
Stereotypes are oversimplified generalizations about groups that don't account for individual differences, often leading to prejudice and discrimination. Confirmation bias reinforces stereotypes by focusing on information that supports them. Understanding and dismantling stereotypes requires recognizing their role in perpetuating unfair treatment and consciously acting against such biases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stereotypes allow people to simplify expectations and contribute to forming prejudiced attitudes and behaviors. By definition, a stereotype is a simplistic and often negative generalization about a group's characteristics that doesn't account for individual differences. Such generalizations can negatively impact individuals when the stereotype is applied to all members of a group regardless of their actual characteristics or behaviors.
Confirmation bias plays a significant role in maintaining stereotypes. It involves paying attention to information that supports pre-existing beliefs while ignoring conflicting information. This can result in a self-fulfilling prophecy, where one's expectations or behavior towards others cause those individuals to act in ways that confirm the stereotype. The classic research by Rosenthal and Jacobson illustrates how such expectations from teachers can affect students' academic performance.
It's crucial to differentiate between stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, and racism. Stereotypes are oversimplified beliefs, prejudice involves negative attitudes, discrimination refers to negative behaviors, and racism encompasses a belief in the superiority of one race over others combined with discriminatory behavior. Countering these biases requires self-awareness and a commitment to evaluating individuals on their own merits rather than as representatives of a group.