Final answer:
Stereotypes are oversimplified generalizations about groups of people that can lead to bias and prejudice. They are not always based on accurate information and can have a significant influence on social behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stereotypes are oversimplified generalizations about groups of people that can be based on various characteristics such as race, ethnicity, age, gender, and sexual orientation. They may be positive or negative, but they are always generalizations that do not take individual differences into account. Stereotypes can lead to bias and prejudice, as people tend to seek out information that confirms their stereotypes and ignore information that is inconsistent with them.